Testimony of Daniel R. Levinson, Inspector General on March 9, 2011

before the United States Senate Committee on Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs, Subcommittee on Federal Financial Management, Government Information, Federal Services, and International Security on New Tools for Curbing Waste and Fraud in Medicare and Medicaid.

Excerpt from the testimony:

OIG Work Highlighting the Nature and Scope of Health Care Fraud, Waste, and Abuse

Fraud is a serious problem requiring a serious response.
Although there is no precise measure of the magnitude of health care fraud, we know that it is a
serious problem that demands an aggressive response. OIG has been leading the fight against
health care fraud, waste and abuse for more than 30 years. Although the majority of health care
providers are honest and well-intentioned, a minority of providers who are intent on abusing the
system cost taxpayers billions of dollars. Over the past fiscal year, OIG has opened more than
1,700 health care fraud investigations. Additionally, our enforcement efforts have resulted in
more than 900 criminal and civil actions and more than $3 billion in expected investigative
recoveries in fiscal year (FY) 2010. OIG’s total expected recoveries for FY 2010 also include
more than $1 billion in audit receivables.

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