Washington, D.C. 20530

February 9, 1999

STATEMENT BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Attorney General Janet Reno today issued the following statement regarding the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General's audit of improper Medicare payments. Today's report showed that improper payments to hospitals, doctors and other health care providers declined for fiscal year 1998, to the lowest error rate since the audits were initiated three years ago.

"Today's report by the Inspector General demonstrates that our enforcement efforts are making a difference. The Department of Justice is committed to fighting health care fraud and abuse and protecting the Medicare Trust Fund. It is encouraging to see the results of our work.

While we have made great progress, there is still work to be done. The Department will continue to work with its partners at the Department of Health and Human Services and the Health Care Financing Administration to continue the trend of reducing overpayments and improving the health care system for all Americans."

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99-050