“We conducted a performance audit to determine whether HHS complied with IPIA, as of September 30, 2018, in accordance with the related Appendix C of Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-123. As part of our performance audit, we evaluated HHS’s assessment of the sampling and estimation plan designation (i.e., categorization of either Statistically Valid and Rigorous, Statistically Valid, and Non-Statistically Valid) for three of the programs that are self-certified as Statistically Valid and Rigorous (Medicare Fee-for-Service (FFS), Medicare Advantage (Part C), and Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit (Part D)). These programs are determined to be susceptible to significant improper payments. Of these programs deemed susceptible to significant improper payments, two of the programs (Medicare FFS and Medicare Part C) are high-priority programs…”
“WHAT WE FOUND
HHS met many requirements but did not fully comply with IPIA for FY 2018.
As required, HHS conducted a program-specific risk assessment of 22 programs (representing risk assessment of programs and charge cards) that were not deemed susceptible to significant improper payments by OMB or the Department to identify those programs or activities that might have been susceptible to significant improper payments. The charge card review, consisting of purchase and travel card payments, was completed for the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Indian Health Service, and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Consistent with OMB guidance, this risk review will be performed by each Staff or Operating Division on a three-year rotational basis.
Additionally, the following table displays compliance determination with IPIA requirements for HHS programs that OMB deemed to be susceptible to significant improper payments…”
“Recommendation:
We recommend that HHS continue to explore a vehicle to conduct recovery audits that will fit into the larger Medicare Part C program in FY 2019. We also recommend that HHS analyze the viability of issuing a contract that is cost-beneficial to the program.” Read the full 20-page report here.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services met Many Requirements of the Improper Payments Information Act of 2002 but did not Fully Comply for Fiscal year 2018 – May 2019. HHS OIG.
