Medical Waste: Coast Guard Medical Vacations

Publication

Medical Waste: Coast Guard Medical Vacations

Abstract

From the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, the Subcommittee on Federal Spending Oversight and Emergency Management led by Senator Rand Paul issued a weekly waste report on the Coast Guard's "Travel to Obtain Healthcare Program" that totals $1.2 million annually. The program serves those stationed in Alaska so they can travel to receive medical care that can't get locally. The report provides evidence that the trips are not always for healthcare purposes, and many lack the documentation needed to be recorded as travel requests. The report does take note that the Inspector General has made recommendations for fixing the lack of oversight within the program.