GAO report on health effects of Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion in the Gulf Coast

(a) Study The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study on the type and scope of health care services administered through the Department of Health and Human Services addressing the provision of health care to racial and ethnic minorities, including residents, cleanup workers, and volunteers, affected by the blowout and explosion of the mobile offshore drilling unit Deepwater Horizon that occurred on April 20, 2010, and resulting hydrocarbon releases into the environment. (b) Specific components In carrying out subsection (a), the Comptroller General of the United States shall— (1) assess the type, size, and scope of programs administered by the Secretary that focus on the provision of health care to communities on the Gulf Coast; (2) identify the merits and disadvantages associated with each of the programs; (3) perform an analysis of the costs and benefits of the programs; and (4) determine whether there is any duplication of programs. (c) Report Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to Congress a report that includes— (1) the findings of the study conducted under subsection (a); and (2) recommendations for improving access to health care for racial and ethnic minorities.