Health Care: Information on Coverage Choices for Servicemembers, Former Servicemembers, and Dependents
Abstract
In fiscal year 2013, there were about 53 million servicemembers and former servicemembers--those who retired from military service or left for reasons other than retirement--and their dependents. These individuals may be eligible for health care coverage through DOD, VA, Medicare, or Medicaid and may purchase coverage through the exchanges established by PPACA. These sources provide individuals opportunities for choosing the coverage that is most suited to their needs, but may also require consideration of complex factors when making choices. GAO was asked to examine federal health care programs and exchange-purchased coverage available to servicemembers, former servicemembers, and their dependents. GAO examined (1) eligibility for coverage, (2) the key benefits offered by this coverage and the individuals' costs, (3) the extent to which information on exchange-purchased coverage and federal subsidies is provided by DOD and VA, and (4) the extent to which these individuals have coverage through DOD, VA, Medicare, and Medicaid. GAO reviewed agency documents and relevant laws and regulations, analyzed U.S. Census Bureau data, and interviewed agency officials. GAO recommends that DOD provide information on how its coverage affects individuals' qualification for federal subsidies for exchange-purchased coverage. DOD concurred with GAO's recommendation. VA generally agreed with GAO's conclusions. HHS had no comments on this report.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2014
- Accession Number
- ADA612028
Entities
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office