HOUSE CONCERNS CENTERED ON THE SIZE OF HEW OPERATIONS WHICH CONSUME OVER ONE-THIRD OF THE NATIONAL BUDGET, AND THE FACT THAT HEW DOES NOT HAVE DIRECT CONTROL OF EXPENDITURE UNDER SOME OF ITS PROGRAMS. TESTIMONY CONCERNED THE ACTIVITIES OF UNITS INVOLVED IN THE PREVENTION AND DETECTION OF FRAUD AND PROGRAM ABUSE, AND WITH FRAUD AND ABUSE IN MEDICAID AND MEDICARE PROGRAMS AND PROGRAMS ADMINISTERED BY THE OFFICE OF EDUCATION, PARTICULARLY THE STUDENT LOAN PROGRAM. VARIOUS SECRETARIES, COUNSEL, AND COMMISSIONERS FOR OFFICES WITHIN HEW TESTIFIED. MAJOR AREAS EXPLORED DURING THE 4-DAY HEARINGS INCLUDED: (1) THE NATURE AND EXTENT OF MAJOR FRAUD AND ABUSE PROBLEMS INVOLVING HEW PROGRAMS, (2) THE EXTENT AND EFFECTIVENESS OF OVERALL PLANNING, DIRECTION, AND COORDINATION BY HEW OF ACTIVITIES DESIGNED TO PREVENT AND DETECT FRAUD AND PROGRAM ABUSE, (3) THE EFFECTIVENESS OF WORKING PROCEDURES UTILIZED TO PREVENT AND DETECT SUCH ABUSE AND TO INSURE APPROPRIATE CORRECTIVE ACTION WHEN ABUSE IS FOUND, AND (4) THE ADEQUACY OF PERSONNEL AND OTHER RESOURCES USED TO COMBAT FRAUD AND ABUSE. APPENDIXES INCLUDE REPLIES TO A QUESTIONNAIRE ON FRAUD AND PROGRAM ABUSE ACTIVITIES, MEDICAID PROVIDER REIMBURSER POLICIES, LIST OF SCHOOLS AND LENDERS ON LONGER ELIGIBLE FOR THE GUARANTEED STUDENT LOAN PROGRAM, AND OTHERS. (RFC)