Summary: A GAO review of 14 federal programs to determine the amount of funds provided for transportation services to the elderly showed that cost estimates were available for only two of these programs.
A review of a report on the amount of funds and the scope of certain services being supplied to elderly participants under six federal programs developed showed that it contained findings and conclusions based on the inconsistent and incomplete responses of states and witnesses to a questionnaire. GAO is reviewing the opportunities available for improving information and referral services for needy aged, blind, disabled, and other persons. An effective information and referral service which links the needy to the social services they require is needed. The Department of Health, Education, and Welfare is funding a project which involves coordinating various service programs at centralized delivery sites. Twelve of the 14 programs examined were unable to provide transportation estimates for older Americans for varying reasons, including failure to record transportation as a line item in budgets and the combination of this data with transportation costs for other groups.
