Action Is Needed to Improve the Completeness and Accuracy of DEERS Beneficiary Data.

摘要

We assessed the completeness and accuracy of beneficiary data contained in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS). We selected a statistical sample of DEERS beneficiaries and compared the sample data to available supporting documentation. DEERS beneficiary supporting documentation was not complete, and DEERS data were not always accurate. Specifically, of the 9.4 million Uniformed Service beneficiary records, DEERS supporting documentation did not adequately substantiate the identity of 2.1 million beneficiaries; demonstrate the eligibility of 2.8 million beneficiaries; support between one and five critical data fields, such as name and date of birth, associated with 5.7 million beneficiaries; and contain date of birth, gender, name, or relationship records of 199,680 beneficiaries. This occurred because the Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) lacked procedures to identify when Real-time Automated Personnel Identification System (RAPIDS) personnel did not scan and store DEERS beneficiary identity documentation, and DoD policy was vague on requiring RAPIDS personnel to scan and store sufficient documentation to verify DEERS beneficiary eligibility. Further, DMDC lacked procedures to verify that supporting documentation existed and to validate that DEERS beneficiary data were accurate. As a result, DoD lacked certainty that only eligible beneficiaries were enrolled in DEERS and received military identification cards (IDs). Specifically, RAPIDS personnel inappropriately issued military IDs without obtaining or maintaining documentation that supported DEERS records. Additionally, the extent of the unsupported and inaccurate data adversely affected the integrity of the DoD process for issuing military IDs. Action to improve DEERS data is needed, as evidenced by the 2,495 instances, identified by the TRICARE Management Activity, of ineligible beneficiaries who obtained unauthorized health care benefits.