Lisa Re Discusses HHS-OIG Priorities Heading into 2026 with Report on Medicare Compliance
Lisa Re, Arnold & Porter Life Sciences & Healthcare Regulatory partner and former Assistant Inspector General for Legal Affairs at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), was quoted in the recent Report on Medicare Compliance article, “Outlook 2026: Prior Authorization, AI Take Center Stage; CMS Kills Skin Substitute LCD,” which examined key regulatory, enforcement, and compliance developments shaping the coming year.
Lisa noted that it’s unclear how exactly priorities may shift under Thomas Bell, who was confirmed as HHS inspector general in December 2025.
“The real question will be what are his core projects,” she said. “Will they continue or will they be replaced with new or additional priorities?”
Pointing to information blocking as one example, Lisa added that it is “a key priority for Secretary Kennedy” and said, “I have to assume that will continue under Bell.”
Despite potential shifts in focus, Lisa emphasized that OIG’s role as an enforcement agency ensures a degree of continuity.
“I think OIG will look different next year at this time, with different priorities, but the core will remain the same,” Lisa said. “The bread and butter work of OIG will continue.”
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