PandemicOversight.gov

New from the PRAC

Provider Relief Fund Data Released

The PRAC recently released Provider Relief Fund (PRF) data on our website, so now you can access all pandemic relief data in one place. We will keep sharing updates on the money that went to hospitals, medical offices, and doctors in response to the COVID-19 crisis.

Check out a one-minute explainer video about the PRF below:

In the News

NPR, Pandemic Unemployment Benefits Are Ending Early In Over 2 Dozen States

Over two dozen states are ending pandemic unemployment benefits early. Some say the money keeps people from looking for work. Calls to end the payouts increased after disappointing job gains in April.

LA Times, Report chronicles missteps by state unemployment agencies that left millions in the lurch

In its most comprehensive report to date on pandemic unemployment assistance, the DOL Office of Inspector General found that antiquated IT systems, insufficient staffing, and unclear guidance delayed the payment of benefits. The report also found that states did not properly validate applicants to prevent improper payments. Congress has started reviewing unemployment programs to avoid future missteps.

In Case You Missed It

Listen

SBA Inspector General speaks about pandemic relief accountability

Hannibal “Mike” Ware discussed the challenge of overseeing $1 trillion in pandemic response funding for small business on "The Search for Accountability" podcast.

Listen to the episode HERE.

Watch

Principal Deputy Inspector General of Department of Health and Human Services Briefs the House Committee on Oversight and Reform

Christi Grimm outlined HHS OIG's oversight across the pandemic response, including work on testing, PRF, and more.

Watch the video HERE.

Investigative Activities by Our Partners

HHS OIG and DOJ Coordinate Largest Federal Law Enforcement Action to Combat COVID-19 Health Care Fraud

Multiple medical professionals across the U.S. were charged for allegedly submitting false medical claims. Their fraud schemes diverted $143 million of pandemic relief away from legitimate applicants. More than 50 medical professionals have been reprimanded for their involvement.

To read more about this scheme, check out an HHS OIG one-pager HERE.
Also, check out an explainer video from HHS OIG HERE.

Oversight Highlights

Louisiana Legislative Auditor (LLA), Improper Payments in the Unemployment Insurance Program: Ineligible Incarcerated Recipients, April 28, 2021

LLA identified approximately $6.2 million in state and federal unemployment benefits to almost 1,200 prisoners who may be ineligible. More than 92% of these prisoners received unemployment benefits for more than one week.

Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA), Implementation of Economic Impact Payments, 2021-46-034, May 24, 2021

TIGTA identified $3.5 billion in EIP payments incorrectly issued to deceased individuals. However, as of October 1, 2020, individuals voluntarily returned 59,500 payments totaling more than $72 million.

Department of Labor (DOL) Office of Inspector General, COVID-19: States Struggled to Implement CARES Act Unemployment Insurance Programs, May 28, 2021

DOL and states struggled to implement pandemic unemployment benefits timely and properly. Delays in getting benefits caused  financial hardships for the unemployed. By the end of September, DOL OIG estimates that $87.3 billion in unemployment benefits could be paid improperly.