§1680t Other Gao Reports

Summary

The Comptroller General must study how health care for American Indians is coordinated when it comes through Medicare, Medicaid, or SCHIP; is provided by the Indian Health Service; or is paid for by state, local, or tribal governments. The Comptroller General must also study the Indian Health Service’s contract health services program when it is run by the Service, an Indian tribe, or a tribal organization. The study must look at how much providers are paid (and compare that to other public programs and private care), barriers to getting care (like travel, cultural differences, or providers’ reluctance), whether federal funding is enough, how funds are managed and shared, and any other relevant items. The Comptroller General must talk with the Service, tribes, and tribal organizations and report to Congress with findings and recommendations on funding levels, efficient use, and any unfair funding results or formulas. Both reports are due not later than 18 months after March 23, 2010.