The February Profile in Courage Award goes to the Office of Inspector General (OIG) of the Department of Health & Human Services. In its very first Advisory Opinion of the year, the OIG has boldly proclaimed that a provider may give free diapers to Medicaid mothers without fear of federal …
Government Joins Lawsuit Against Florida Doctor Alleging Fraud and Kickbacks
January 5, 2015 Leave a Comment
In a move demonstrating the government’s continued aim to combat health care fraud through its Health Care Fraud Prevention and Enforcement Action Team (HEAT), the Department of Justice announced today that the government has intervened in two qui tam lawsuits against a Florida cardiologist, Dr. Asad Qamar, and …
Another Halloween Treat: the OIG’s 2015 Work Plan
November 4, 2014 Leave a Comment
On Halloween the Office of Inspector General (OIG) of Health & Human Services released its “Work Plan Fiscal 2015.” The 90-page document is meant to tell the public, and especially health care providers paid by Medicare and Medicaid, where the OIG intends to focus its investigative time and resources …
OIG Okays Medigap Insurer’s Arrangement for Discount on Inpatient Deductibles
August 27, 2014 Leave a Comment
Last Monday the Office of Inspector General (OIG) of Health & Human Services posted an advisory opinion (No. 14-07) allowing a Medigap insurance company to strike a deal with hospitals for discounts—even waivers—of the deductibles owed by Medicare beneficiaries for inpatient stays. The opinion indicates …
AHA Renews Complaints about OIG Hospital Compliance Reviews
August 26, 2014 Leave a Comment
The American Hospital Association (AHA) has renewed its complaints about OIG “hospital compliance reviews.” Last Thursday AHA Executive Vice President Rick Pollack sent a letter to Health & Human Services Secretary Burwell reminding her that in June he had written then Secretary Sebelius on the same …
OIG Rejects Pharmacy’s Plan for Per-Fill Referral Fees, Or Be Careful What You Ask For
August 25, 2014 Leave a Comment
In its most recent advisory opinion, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) of Health & Human Services rejected a referral arrangement proposed by a national specialty pharmacy chain. Advisory Opinion No. 14-06, issued August 15, addressed a plan by the chain to reimburse local pharmacies for referrals of …