H.R. 1370
Highlights
GAO discussed H.R. 1370, a bill to give beneficiaries protection under the health care programs of the Social Security Act from unfit health care practitioners and entities. A review of the Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) authority to exclude such practitioners identified several significant gaps which allow these practitioners to continue working within the system. The bill would authorize HHS to exclude from Medicaid and Medicare health maintenance organizations and prepaid health plans if they fail to provide medically necessary items or services. This bill would give the entities incentives to closely control the utilization of health care services. GAO believes that the bill would provide a reasonable deterrent to unfit practices.