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DOCUMENT RESUME
02226 - CA1532509] (Restricted)
Potential for Redtcing U.S. Financial Support and Ending VA
Involvement in Medical Program for Filipino Veterans. HRD-77-95;
B-133044. May 20, 1977. 22 pp.
Peport to Sen. William Proxmire, Chairman, Senate Committee on
Appropriations: BUD-Independent Agencies Subcommittee; by Slu'.z
B. Staats, Comptroller General.
Iesue Area: Health Prograss (1200); Health Programs: System for
Providing Treatment (1205).
Contact: Human Resources and Development Div.
Budget Function: Veterans Benefits and Services: Hospital and
medical Care for Veterans (703); International Affairs:
Foreign Economic and Financial Assistance (151); Health:
General Health Financing Assistance (555).
Organization Concerned: Veterans Administration; Veterans
Memorial Medical Center, Luzon (Philippines).
Congressional Relevance: Senate Committee on Appropriations:
HUD-Independent Agencies Subcommittee.
Authority: D.L. 80-865. P.L. 85-857. P.L. 89-612. P.L. 93-82.
H.R. 5029 (95th Cong.).
The Veterans Administration (VA) operates a medical
care program in the Philippines, which was established as a
temporary program almost 30 years ago. Laws were passod
extendifg the program, changing furding f'om grants to
reimbursable contracts, and expanding benefits to include
nonservice-connected illnesses. Findings/Conclusions: In 1976,
treatment for nonservice-connected illnesses represented about
S6% of the care provided under the grant program. Limiting care
to service-connected illness and funding by a fixed-sum grant
program would result in considerable savings ard eliminate the
need for VA involvement. Arguments cited against reduction of
the program included possible adverse effects on United States
Philippines relations and on the quality of medical care. GAO
believes that reductions would b* consistent with the temporary
nature of the program, the Philippines$ growing self-reliance,
and their increased ability to absorb costs. Recommendations:
If it is believed timely, the sabcommittee should take steps not
to fund the program as currently authorized, but should act to
change funding from a reimbursable contract to a fied-su grant
providing only for service-connected care at the Veterans
Memorial Medical Cente'. (HTW)](ViewImageLocal?handle=hein.gao/gaobaacgf0001&div=1&collection=&method=preview&ext=.png&size=3)