Will HCFA be able to pay up on Jan. 1, 2000? Agency says it will be ready; GAO says no way.

Abstract

A report from the General Accounting Office (GAO) states the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) will likely experience system failures as a result of the year 2000 (Y2K) computer problem. Translation: You might not get paid. HCFA Administrator Nancy-Ann DeParle insists that claims will be paid on Jan. 1 and that GAO is overstating the risks. One Y2K expert advises cautious optimism coupled with extensive individual preparations.