§1680t Other Gao Reports

Summary

The Comptroller General must study how well health care for Indians is coordinated when it comes from Medicare, Medicaid, SCHIP, the Service, or from state, local, or tribal money. Within 18 months after March 23, 2010, the Comptroller General must send Congress a report that explains what was found and gives recommendations to improve coordination. The Comptroller General must also study the contract health services program run by the Service, an Indian tribe, or a tribal organization. The study must look at how much is paid to providers (and compare that to other public programs and the private sector), problems people face getting care (like travel, culture, or providers unwilling to serve program patients), whether federal funding is enough, how the program and fund distribution work, and other relevant issues. An 18-month report to Congress must include recommendations on the right level of federal funding, how to use funds more efficiently, and how to fix any unfair funding or results. The Comptroller General must consult with the Service, tribes, and tribal organizations while doing this work.