§1680t Other GAO reports

Summary

The Comptroller General must study and evaluate how well health care for Indians is coordinated when it comes through Medicare, Medicaid, or SCHIP, when it is provided by the Service, or when it is paid for by state or local governments or Indian tribes. Not later than 18 months after March 23, 2010, the Comptroller General must give Congress a report with the evaluation results and recommendations to improve coordination. The Comptroller General must also study the contract health services program funded by the Service and run by the Service, tribes, or tribal organizations. The study must look at payments to providers (and how those compare with other programs and the private sector), barriers to care (like travel, culture, and unwilling providers), whether federal funding is adequate, how the program is run and funds are distributed, and any other relevant matters. Not later than 18 months after March 23, 2010, the Comptroller General must report to Congress with recommendations on appropriate funding levels, efficient use of funds, and fixes for any unfair distribution. The Comptroller General must consult with the Service, Indian tribes, and tribal organizations when doing the contract health services study.