Summary

The Veterans Administration (VA) medical care programs are significant because of the size of their appropriations and the very large numbers of patients treated. This Information Requirements Document contains recommendations for revising the display of budget and program information concerning the programs and activities funded through the medical care appropriation account and three related accounts of the VA. It is designed to reflect the emphasis of the authorizing legislation on types of care and methods of care delivery, with data on beneficiary groups being a separate information element for each type of care. The goal in analyzing these accounts was to develop improvements concerning the classifications structures which display information concerning the programs funded through these accounts, and information elements provided for each level of the classification structure. The principal objectives of the proposed structure are to: (1) provide a comprehensive overview presentation of the total funding for medical care and related programs and activities carried out by the VA; and (2) provide a uniform framework for viewing medical care programs funded through various accounts.

Some of the specific changes in the GAO proposal concern the information display for: (1) hospital care, nursing home care, and domiciliary care; (2) methods of care delivery and financial assistance to state homes; (3) outpatient care; (4) education and training, and the expenses for them; and (5) miscellaneous benefits and services.