Defense Health Program: Future Costs Are Likely to Be Greater Than Estimated
Abstract
The $15-billion Defense Health Program accounts for about 6 percent of DODs total budget. The Defense Health 1998 Program Objective Memorandum (POM) shows that total obligational authority is projected to increase by about $2.7 billion, or 18 percent, from $15.1 billion in 1997 to $17.8 billion in 2003, in current dollars. The POM reflects no program growth when expressed in constant dollars. In addition to meeting wartime patient care requirements, the program provides health care benefits for active duty personnel and their dependents as well as for retirees and their dependents. Beneficiaries may receive health care through DODs new managed health care system called TRICARE. They may use DOD facilities and/or one of three options under DOD contract: a health maintenance organization, a preferred provider, and a fee-for-service option, formerly known as the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS). Retirees and dependents over age 65 are not eligible for TRICARE because they receive Medicare benefits. However, they may receive health care in DOD medical facilities on a space-available basis. DOD has managed care initiatives in place that it hopes will result in efficiencies and savings.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 21, 1997
- Accession Number
- AD1105602
Entities
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office