GBC: Most federal executives lack confidence in government on taking new roles in health care

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.

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.

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.