WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) have announced a renewed joint effort to tackle healthcare fraud, an enduring threat to taxpayer funds and public trust.
Under the new DOJ-HHS False Claims Act Working Group, senior officials from both agencies will coordinate closely to target high-priority enforcement areas. The initiative aims to bolster oversight of the federal healthcare system and reinforce accountability among providers and suppliers.
Membership in the working group will include leadership from HHS’s Office of General Counsel, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Center for Program Integrity, the Office of Inspector General’s legal counsel, and DOJ’s Civil Division, along with representatives from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices nationwide.
The group has identified several enforcement priorities, including improper practices within Medicare Advantage, unlawful drug and device pricing arrangements, kickbacks involving federally funded products, and barriers limiting patient access to care. Additional focus areas include the use of defective medical devices and manipulation of electronic health records to increase unwarranted claims.
The working group will enhance data sharing, accelerate investigations, and improve identification of new fraud leads through advanced data analysis and internal reporting reviews. HHS will also evaluate potential payment suspensions, while DOJ may consider dismissing certain whistleblower complaints under applicable legal provisions.
Officials are encouraging whistleblowers and healthcare companies alike to report violations, emphasizing the critical role of insider information in uncovering complex fraud schemes. Tips can be submitted through HHS’s dedicated hotline at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).
This coordinated strategy aims to protect federal healthcare programs and ensure that taxpayer dollars are used appropriately, reinforcing the integrity of the nation’s healthcare system.
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