What is the primary function of the Office of Inspector General (OIG) within the U.S. Department of HHS?

The primary function of the Office of Inspector General (OIG) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is to detect and prevent fraud, waste, and abuse in the various programs administered by HHS. This includes overseeing programs such as Medicare and Medicaid to ensure compliance with regulations and the prudent use of federal funds. The OIG conducts audits, evaluations, and investigations to identify improper payments and to improve the efficiency of healthcare programs, which ultimately serves to protect the integrity of these programs and the health resources allocated to the public.

In contrast, providing medical services directly to patients does not fall under the OIG's purview, as it is primarily focused on oversight rather than patient care. The administration of Social Security benefits is handled by the Social Security Administration, not the OIG, which emphasizes its specific mission related to health and human services. Additionally, while the OIG may influence healthcare policy through its findings and recommendations, it does not engage in the design of healthcare policies and regulations itself; this function is typically performed by other entities within HHS.