WALZ Act

This legislation mandates the Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to initiate investigations into State programs that receive federal financial assistance from HHS. The core purpose is to scrutinize significant increases in expenditures within these programs. An investigation is specifically required if the total amount paid to providers of services and suppliers under a State program increases by 10 percent or more during any six-month period, when compared to the prior six-month period. This provision aims to identify and address potential issues or inefficiencies associated with rapid payment surges in federally supported State health and welfare initiatives.