Comments on S. 2958, Bill To Encourage Federal Agencies To Share Medical Resources on an Interagency Basis

Comments were provided on a Senate bill to encourage Federal agencies to share medical resources on an interagency basis. Over the years, increasing concern has been expressed in Congress and elsewhere over the rapidly increasing costs of medical care. Federal agencies' costs to provide health care directly to eligible beneficiaries have continued to rise, and efforts have been made by the Federal agencies to explore ways of reducing these costs without adversely affecting the quality of care provided to Federal beneficiaries. GAO believes that S. 2958 constitutes a legislative statement of policy and guidance needed by the Federal Government's two largest direct health care systems, the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Veterans Administration (VA), to more efficiently spend the billions of dollars appropriated annually for the construction and renovation of health care facilities, the purchase of medical supplies and equipment, and medical personnel. Additionally, the increased sharing would benefit the Federal Government by providing opportunities for: (1) eliminating or consolidating underused or duplicative facilities, equipment, and staff; (2) reducing the reliance on health delivery programs which provide care not available from DOD, VA, and the Public Health Service; and (3) increasing staff proficiency and improving patient care by consolidating workloads and resources. Beneficiaries would also be able to be treated in Federal facilities closer to their residences and might save money because they would not be required to pay specified portions of the cost of care. Therefore, enactment would represent a significant step forward in creating an environment in which Federal agencies could make the most cost-effective use of their medical resources while maintaining, or perhaps enhancing, the quality of care provided to their many beneficiaries.