Defense Health Program Funds Administered As Part Of The Tricare Program

In the DoD Appropriations Act for FY 2000, Congress appropriated $11.15 billion for the Defense Health Program. On July 13, 2000, Congress enacted Public Law No. 106-246, "Making Appropriations for Military Construction, Family Housing, and Base Realignment and Closure for the Department of Defense for Fiscal Year Ending September 30, 2001, and for Other Purposes." Public Law No. 106-246 appropriated an additional $1.3 billion to cover critical shortfalls in funding managed care support contracts. In House Conference Report No. 106-710, which accompanied Public Law No. 106-246, conferees directed the Inspector General, DoD, in coordination with the General Accounting Office, to examine the fund control practices of the TRICARE (the military health care system) program. In addition, DoD was directed to report to the congressional Defense committees within 60 days after enactment on whether DoD violated fiscal law or departmental regulations related to the shortfalls. Public Law No. 106-246, section 105, specifically appropriated $615.6 million of the $1.3 billion for the Defense Health Program with the following stipulations specified in section 106.