What role does the DHHS Office of the Inspector General (OIG) have?

The DHHS Office of the Inspector General (OIG) plays a crucial role in safeguarding the integrity of healthcare programs, particularly Medicare and Medicaid. One of its primary functions is to conduct civil and criminal investigations specifically aimed at identifying and addressing fraud. This includes overseeing compliance with regulations and pursuing legal action against entities or individuals engaged in fraudulent activities related to Medicare. By actively investigating fraud, the OIG helps to ensure that taxpayer dollars are used appropriately and that beneficiaries receive the services to which they are entitled without being defrauded.

The other options do not accurately describe the direct responsibilities of the OIG. Setting healthcare prices falls under regulatory agencies that establish payment rates and policies, while oversight of medical licensure is typically managed by state medical boards, not the OIG. Administering Medicare benefits is also outside the OIG's scope, as this function is handled by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), which focuses on delivering services and managing the program rather than investigating fraud. Thus, B is the correct choice as it accurately reflects the OIG's mission and operational scope in combating healthcare fraud.