Past proposals to reform the federal government have not been fully realized and can take many years to implement. According to the Government Accountability Office (GAO), "successful reforms or transformations depend upon following change management practices, such as agreement on reform goals, and … Read more about GAO Says The Reorganization Plan Must Answer These Questions
GAO Reviews The Postal Service’s New Capital Plan
The United States Postal Service (USPS) faces unsustainable fiscal challenges. Because of the drop in first class mail, the USPS has recorded operating losses for 11 straight years. Over the next decade, USPS plans to "acquire a new fleet of delivery vehicles starting in 2019 to replace its aging … Read more about GAO Reviews The Postal Service’s New Capital Plan
Current U.S. Fiscal Trajectory Is Unsustainable, Action Needed
The Government Accountability Office's (GAO) report provides an update on the nation's fiscal health as of the end of fiscal year 2017, and describes its likely fiscal future if policies don’t change. Among its findings: The federal government’s current fiscal path is unsustainable. … Read more about Current U.S. Fiscal Trajectory Is Unsustainable, Action Needed
Executive Branch Plan To Reorganize The Federal Government
On March 13th, 2017 President Trump signed Executive Order (EO) #13781 that aims to make the Federal government more efficient, effective, and accountable to the American people. The EO directed the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to propose a plan to “reorganize governmental functions and … Read more about Executive Branch Plan To Reorganize The Federal Government
New Medicare Approach Saves $1.9 Billion
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) required prior authorization as a demonstration in 2012 for certain power mobility devices, such as power wheelchairs, in seven states. This is an approach used by private insurers that requires health providers and suppliers to first demonstrate … Read more about New Medicare Approach Saves $1.9 Billion
Farm Program Payments: A Primer
In 2015, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) made about $2.7 billion in payments to farmers or farming operations. According to the Government Accountability Office (GAO), "Under the Agricultural Act of 2014 (2014 Farm Bill), each member of a farming operation that is a general partnership can … Read more about Farm Program Payments: A Primer
340B Drug Program Lacking Oversight
The 340B Drug Pricing Program requires drug manufacturers to sell outpatient drugs at discounted prices to covered entities—eligible clinics, hospitals, and others—in order to have their drugs covered by Medicaid. Only covered entities and eligible patients are allowed to participate. However, the … Read more about 340B Drug Program Lacking Oversight
USDA’s Fiscal Year 2017 Compliance With Improper Payment Requirements
Unites States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has not complied with the Improper Payments Elimination and Recovery Act of 2010 (IPERA) for a seventh consecutive year. The Department of Agriculture reported mandatory improper payment information for 6 of USDA’s 10 high-risk programs did not … Read more about USDA’s Fiscal Year 2017 Compliance With Improper Payment Requirements