Health care for members of Congress

If you ever wondered what your tax dollars are being spent on for health care for members of Congress here is a pretty good article about the subject. Congress has access to the same health benefits as all federal employees. And you pay for it!

The government's share of FEHB contributions was fixed in the Balanced Budget Act of 1997. The rule of thumb for congressional staffers and Cabinet members alike is that the government picks up 72 percent of the average premium toward the total cost of a premium—roughly on par with what a generous private-sector employer would offer. The employee pays the remainder via payroll deductions.

Wow. 72% of the premiums. Federal employees and members of Congress have a choice of coverage and are allowed to switch every year with no limitations on preexisting conditions. (Try that with your own private insurance) It is a good system although it has the same problems associated with any for profit health system. The billing is complicated as well as the coverage. You can't be sure what is covered even after being advised by the doctors office. Most of the time you learn what is not covered when you get the inflated bill. Dental and vision are limited, but available.

So, while you debate about health care, remember that your elected officials have the best health care your money can buy. As Dubya used to say "It's your money!"