Ann Maxwell

Deputy Inspector General for Evaluation & Inspections, Office of Inspector General at Dept. of Health & Human Services

Ann Maxwell is the Deputy Inspector General for Evaluation and Inspections in the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General. As the head of the Office of Evaluation and Inspections (OEI), she leads more than 150 professionals who provide objective, reliable, data-driven evidence to HHS, Congress, and the public on significant issues. Ms. Maxwell leads the office in producing results-oriented evaluations that provide valuable insights into the efficiency and effectiveness of HHS programs as well as offer actionable recommendations to drive positive change in HHS programs so that they can better serve and protect the American people. Ms. Maxwell also leads OEI in its oversight of the State Medicaid Fraud Control Units (MFCUs), which investigate and prosecute providers for Medicaid fraud as well as for abuse and neglect of patients in health care facilities. In fiscal year 2021, the MFCU grant program recovered $1.7 billion—a return of $5 for every $1 invested. Ms. Maxwell’s two decades of leadership and evaluation expertise have resulted in significant improvements in HHS programs and protected millions of people. For example, under her leadership, OEI helped drive down inappropriate prescribing and utilization of prescription opioids in Medicare, accomplishing this by way of Congressional testimony, more than a dozen evaluation reports, an analytic toolkit, and referrals to law enforcement and HHS. She has also directed a variety of OIG-wide multidisciplinary teams—consisting of evaluators, auditors, lawyers, investigators, and data scientists— to accomplish high-profile, consequential oversight and drive positive change in numerous HHS programs. These programs include Medicare; Medicaid; emergency response, including the COVID-19 response; oversight of food and drugs; and child welfare programs such as Head Start, foster care, and the program for unaccompanied children who cross the southern border. Ms. Maxwell began her career with OIG in 1997 as an evaluator in the Chicago regional office, where she rose to serve in a variety of leadership roles, including Regional Inspector General. Leading the Chicago regional office, Ms. Maxwell focused significant efforts on evaluating prescription drug benefits under Medicare, Medicaid, and the 340B Drug Pricing Program. This work led to substantial savings for Medicaid and strengthened protections for providers who serve underinsured and uninsured patients. Ms. Maxwell also served as Assistant Inspector General for 8 years before taking the helm as Deputy Inspector General. Ms. Maxwell holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Chicago and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Economics from Kalamazoo College, Michigan. Ms. Maxwell has received numerous OIG awards, including the Thomas D. Morris Leadership Award for her leadership, program knowledge, and analytical abilities, and the Bronze Medal for her exemplary leadership. She has also received numerous awards for excellence in evaluation from the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency, including the inspector general community’s highest honor — the Alexander Hamilton Award for protecting the safety and welfare of migrant children in HHS custody.