What is the overall aim of addressing fraud, waste, and abuse in health care resources and services as described?

• A. To reduce unnecessary costs while maintaining or improving patient care
• B. To maximize provider profits
• C. To limit patient access to care
• D. To increase administrative requirements

Answer: (A)

The aim of addressing fraud, waste, and abuse in health care resources and services is to steward scarce health care funds by cutting wasteful or improper spending while preserving or improving the quality and safety of patient care. By cracking down on fraud and reducing waste, funds are redirected to necessary services that patients actually need, leading to better value and sustainability of the health system.

This is best captured by reducing unnecessary costs while maintaining or improving patient care. It emphasizes both cost containment and care quality, which is the core purpose of FWA programs. Options that focus on maximizing profits, limiting patient access, or increasing administrative burdens misalign with the goal, as they can harm patients and undermine care quality and access.