Do Congressmen Pay For Their Healthcare?

Really? Members of Congress don’t have to pay for their healthcare?

As a matter of fact, Members of Congress are covered by private health insurance under the same system that covers all federal employees. They have to pay their share of the cost!

The facts: Members of Congress have the option to purchase private health insurance through the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program, managed by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. It is the same program that is available to all federal workers, and similar to plans offered by many large businesses.

This system offers a variety of plans with different deductibles, co-pays and types of coverage, with the monthly premiums varying depending on the plan. Like many plans offered in private industry, the employer (in this case the federal government) pays two-thirds of the cost and the employee pays the remaining one-third.

For an additional annual fee, Members are allowed to use the Capitol physician’s office for routine personal medical treatment, with referral to either Walter Reed Army Medical Center or Bethesda Naval Hospital care when necessary.

A real example of the story as it has been circulated online:

Did you know that Members of Congress get FREE healthcare?

Yes! And I believe that it is theirs for life.

They also get a wonderful retirement package.

They also, at least in my state, make 3 or 4 times the average salary.

We should all run for congress and live the good life.

This is not what our forefathers envisioned. Congerss should not be the elite among us.

They are supposed to be a citizen legislature.

Getting to be a millionaire was not supposed to be what serving your country was all about, but it is what we have.

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House Democrats

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