EVALUATION AND REPORT ON TRICARE PROGRAM EFFECTIVENESS.

SEC. 717. EVALUATION AND REPORT ON TRICARE PROGRAM EFFECTIVENESS. (a) Evaluation Required.— The Secretary of Defense shall arrange for an ongoing evaluation of the effectiveness of the TRICARE program in meeting the goals of increasing the access of covered beneficiaries under chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code, to health care and improving the quality of health care provided to covered beneficiaries, without increasing the costs incurred by the Government or covered beneficiaries. The evaluation shall specifically address— (1) the impact of the TRICARE program on military retirees with regard to access, costs, and quality of health care services; and (2) identify noncatchment areas in which the health maintenance organization option of the TRICARE program is available or is proposed to become available. (b) Entity To Conduct Evaluation.— The Secretary may use a federally funded research and development center to conduct the evaluation required by subsection (a). (c) Annual Report.— Not later than March 1, 1997, and each March 1 thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report describing the results of the evaluation under subsection (a) during the preceding year.