Fraud, Waste and Abuse in Federal Bureau of Prison Essay Example

that, on average, BOP paid a higher percentage in all payments in 2014, with the highest amount being triple the recommended amount. BOP is not subject to statutes and government regulations that establish the maximum payment an agency should make when receiving external medical services. When seeking healthcare services, agencies are not obligated to pay more than the rates set in the Medicare program. This lack of payment regulation created a situation where service providers had the ability to increase their charges when providing services to the BOP. The statutes provide guidance on how state agencies can solicit and pay for services without inefficiently using existing resources.

The BOP had not examined all potential avenues for reducing treatment costs, such as evaluating the current charges of different healthcare providers. By seeking legal advice, the BOP could potentially use the law to limit the amount it pays for healthcare services. Additionally, the BOP could collaborate with a select few agencies to receive treatment at a reduced cost. However, receiving services from multiple agencies presented the risk of being overcharged without facing any consequences.

In order to reduce costs associated with the Medicare program, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has decided to establish alternative measures. The DOJ proposes forming working groups that will explore legislative options to standardize costs among its institutions. These teams will conduct research to identify potential regulations that won't hinder the Bureau of Prisons' (BOP) ability to acquire services, while ensuring reasonable rates for healthcare. The BOP is advised to use additional guidance from these groups in effectively managing healthcare costs across different agencies. It is crucial to continuously collect data on inmates' healthcare

needs as they contribute significantly to the high costs of medical services. This data collection will help find practical and affordable solutions for cost reduction.

References

1. https://oig.justice.gov/reports/2016
2. https://www.cms.gov/Medicare-Medicaid-Coordination/Fraud-Prevention/Medicaid-Integrity-Education/Downloads/fwa-overview-booklet.
3. McWay, D. C. (2013). Today's health information management: An integrated approach. Cengage Learning.