Government Loses Revenue Because of Low Medical Care Charges to Liable Third Parties.
Abstract
The Government provides free medical care to eligible beneficiaries, such as service members and veterans. When a beneficiary requires treatment because of injuries caused by the negligence of another, the Government is authorized by law to recover the cost of medical care from the negligent party. From October 1, 1978, to September 30, 1980, the Government failed to recover an estimated $4 million because the rates charged were set significantly below the rates estimated by the Department of Defense and Veterans Administration to reflect the actual cost of care in their hospitals. At GAO's urging, the Office of Management and Budget adopted the use of the Defense and VA budgeted rates which are much closer to actual cost and should result in significant increases in revenues. Even so, these rates are still too low and unless they are periodically adjusted to more accurately reflect the full cost of care provided in Defense and VA hospitals, the Government may continue to lose about $2 million a year. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 16, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA111555
Entities
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office