WASHINGTON, Dec. 14 According to a new study by Government Business Council (GBC), the research division of Government Executive Media Group, most federal executives lack confidence that the government can successfully take on new roles related to health care.
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The survey, conducted in November, captured the views of federal managers on the potential challenges related to implementing health care reform. Completed by 554 agency managers across the entire federal government, the survey found that the vast majority believe that if a healthcare reform bill is passed the federal government will play a more prominent role in health care than it does now, regardless of whether or not there is a public option.
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Managers think it's likely the government's role will encompass both oversight and enforcement responsibilities, as well as management and execution. However, more than half of respondents said they are concerned about the government's ability to successfully manage possible responsibilities such as enforcing penalties for the uninsured and enforcing insurance practices. Managers are most confident in the government's ability to establish universal electronic medical records and to provide subsidies for those who qualify.
"While supportive of health care reform overall, most federal managers feel that the government should be selective in the responsibilities it chooses to take on," stated Bryan Klopack, Director, Government Business Council. "On average, managers seem to think that the best model to implement health care reform will include an oversight role for government in conjunction with new guidelines and responsibilities for private industry, as opposed to direct management."
Even with the necessary funding, managers would face a number of high level challenges managing or enforcing healthcare initiatives. Collaboration, both across agencies and with state governments, tops the list of challenges identified. Significant majorities also identified building the necessary electronic data storage systems, hiring enough qualified employees, securing the influx of citizen data and establishing new agencies or offices as challenges.
GBC will present a free webinar on its findings on Tuesday, December 15th, 2009 at 2 p.m. EST. More information on the study and webinar can be found at www.govexec.com/gbc/.
About the Government Business Council
As Government Executive Media Group's research intelligence division, Government Business Council (GBC) is dedicated to advancing the business of government through analysis, insight and analytical independence. As an extension of Government Executive's 40 years of exemplary editorial standards and a commitment to the highest ethical values, GBC studies influential decision-makers from across the federal government to produce intelligence-based research and analysis. Contact Bryan Klopack, Director of Research, at [email protected].
About Government Executive Media Group
Celebrating its 40th year as the premier media resource for federal decision makers, Government Executive Media Group covers the entire spectrum of challenges confronting federal executives. Its portfolio includes the #1 publication read by federal managers, the #1 federal web site, a popular events program and a fast growing research division. Government Executive Media Group also produces Nextgov.com, the leading federal technology web site. Visit www.GovernmentExecutive.com/mediakit.
Contact: Will Colston 202.266.7423
SOURCE Government Business Council
