§ 948. Contracts for medical care for retirees, dependents, and survivors: alternative delivery of health care

• (a) The Secretary may contract for the delivery of health care to which covered beneficiaries are entitled under chapter 55 of title 10. The Secretary may enter into a contract under this section with any of the following:
  • (1) Health maintenance organizations.
  • (2) Preferred provider organizations.
  • (3) Individual providers, individual medical facilities, or insurers.
  • (4) Consortiums of these providers, facilities, or insurers.
• (b) A contract entered into under this section may provide for the delivery of—
  • (1) selected health care services;
  • (2) total health care services for selected covered beneficiaries; or
  • (3) total health care services for all covered beneficiaries who reside in a geographic area designated by the Secretary.
• (c) The Secretary may prescribe a premium, deductible, copayment, or other change for health care provided under this section.