Featured Topics
Below are compilations of OIG's existing work related to a specific subject matter area. They are updated as new material is published.
- Cybersecurity
- OIG recognizes Protecting HHS Data, Systems, and Beneficiaries from Cybersecurity Threats as a top management and performance challenge facing HHS. In partnering with various HHS agencies to address this challenge, OIG has formed a multidisciplinary Cybersecurity Team comprised of auditors, evaluators, investigators and attorneys focused on combatting cybersecurity threats within HHS and the healthcare industry. (Last Updated: November 2018)
- Emergency Response
- HHS OIG is one of many agencies the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) calls upon to respond to major disasters. As part of the Government's coordinated emergency response efforts, a team of OIG's special agents may deploy to provide leadership, equipment, expertise, security, and other support. (Last Updated: September 2018)
- Combatting the Opioid Epidemic
- Addressing the opioid epidemic is a top priority for OIG. OIG's efforts fall in three areas: (1) identifying opportunities to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of HHS programs, (2) identifying and holding accountable those engaged in fraud (3) empowering and collaborating with partners through data sharing and education. (Last Updated: September 2018)
- Group Homes
- In response to media stories and a congressional request about abuse and neglect of developmentally disabled residents in group homes, OIG launched a series of audits that found that these residents often experienced serious injuries and medical conditions that resulted in emergency room visits. And we also found that up to 99 percent of these critical incidents were not reported to the appropriate law enforcement or state agencies, as required. (Last Updated: February 2018)
- Affordable Care Act Reviews
- OIG is focused on promoting the economy, efficiency, and effectiveness of Affordable Care Act (ACA) programs across HHS. We are conducting reviews of the health insurance marketplaces and related programs, as well as reviews of other health reform programs in Medicare, Medicaid, and the public health programs. (Last Updated: February 2017)
- Drug Pricing and Reimbursement
- This webpage pulls together the Office of Inspector General's (OIG) body of work since 2010 plus several older relevant items that relate to drug pricing and reimbursement in HHS programs. It features planned work, completed reports, industry guidance, and enforcement actions. It does not cover OIG's body of work focused on questionable or fraudulent billing for prescription drugs. (Last Updated: January 2017)
- Home Health
- The Medicare home health benefit has long been recognized as a program area vulnerable to fraud, waste, and abuse. The benefit was established to provide skilled nursing care, home based assistance, and therapeutic services to qualifying homebound individuals. Home health care represents a significant component of Medicare expenditures. In calendar year 2015, Medicare reimbursed over 11,000 distinct home health agencies (HHAs) for almost 7 million episodes of home health care, totaling approximately $18.7 billion. (Last Updated: January 2017)
- Hospital Compliance Reviews
- These reviews are part of a series of hospital compliance reviews that focus on hospitals with claims that may be at risk for overpayments. Reviews began in 2011 and are ongoing. (Last Updated: October 2018)
- Indian Health and Human Services
- The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and its many agencies carry out health and human services programs for American Indians and Alaska Natives (AII/ANs) throughout the U.S. See an overview of the Office of Inspector General's (OIG) body of work as it relates to the Indian health and human services. (Last Updated: May 2017)
- President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) Funds
- President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) funds support international programs for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) prevention, treatment, and care. CDC received PEPFAR funds from the annual HHS appropriation and the Foreign Operations appropriation. See the PEPFAR reviews. (Last Updated: March 2017)
![HHS spends more than $11 billion annually on Information Technology and tens of millions of cyberattacks threaten this investment every day.](/congress115th/20190108213017im_/https://oig.hhs.gov/reports-and-publications/featured-topics/cybersecurity/cyberattacks.png)
![A photo of storm damage to a house](/congress115th/20190108213017im_/https://oig.hhs.gov/reports-and-publications/featured-topics/emergency/emergency-thumb.jpg)
![Nearly 1 in 3 Part D beneficiaries received at least 1 prescription opioid.](/congress115th/20190108213017im_/https://oig.hhs.gov/reports-and-publications/featured-topics/opioids/opioids-thumb.jpg)
![An image of a report cover](/congress115th/20190108213017im_/https://oig.hhs.gov/reports-and-publications/featured-topics/group-homes/group-thumb.jpg)
![Drug pricing and reimbursement](/congress115th/20190108213017im_/https://oig.hhs.gov/newsroom/widgets/images/drug-pricing-widget.png)