Defense Health Care: TRICARE Claims Processing Has Improved but Inefficiencies Remain

Abstract

Testifying before Congress in 2002, military beneficiary groups and civilian managed care support contractors described problems with the processing of TRICARE claims for civilian-provided care. These problems included slow payments and procedures that made claims processing inefficient. The Bob Stump National Defense Authorization Act of 2003 required GAO to review improvements to TRICARE claims processing and continuing impediments to claims processing efficiency. Specifically, GAO describes (1) efforts to improve claims processing and changes in processing timeliness and (2) Department of Defense (DOD) procedures and data that continue to affect claims processing efficiency. To identify improvements to claims processing and impediments to processing efficiency, GAO analyzed 1999 and 2002 claims data for changes in processing timeliness. GAO also interviewed and analyzed claims processing documentation from DOD officials, managed care support contractors, and claims processors.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2003
Accession Number
AD1157269

Entities

People

  • Cynthia Forbes
  • John Oh
  • Krister Friday
  • Kristi Peterson
  • Lois Shoemaker
  • Marjorie E. Kanof

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  • United States Government Accountability Office

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