HHS touts record recoveries from healthcare fraud

By Sam Baker - 02/11/13 11:24 AM ET

The Obama administration touted its progress Monday in cracking down on healthcare fraud, saying recoveries have hit an all-time high.

The Health and Human Services Department and the Justice Department recovered a record $4.2 billion from healthcare fraud investigations last year. They've recovered a total of nearly $15 billion over the past four years — more than double the total recoveries in the previous four years.

HHS and the Justice Department said the record recoveries stemmed from the creation of a new anti-fraud task force in 2009 and said President Obama’s healthcare law would bolster the effort.

The federal government recovers $7.90 for every dollar it spends investigating healthcare fraud and abuse, according to an HHS press release.

“Our historic effort to take on the criminals who steal from Medicare and Medicaid is paying off: We are gaining the upper hand in our fight against health care fraud,” HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said in a statement. “This fight against fraud strengthens the integrity of our healthcare programs and helps us fulfill our commitment to our seniors.”