Health Insurance Benefits for Members of Congress
Elected congressional representatives can buy one of many private insurance plans offered to members of the House and Senate. Though some of the plans are reserved for specific sections of government, all federal employees have the option to purchase federal health insurance. Approximately eight million federal employees have health coverage offered by the federal government. Benefits covered by congressional and federal health insurance are considered excellent comparison with many health plans available to the public.-
Special Hospitals
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All members of Congress can receive care at military hospitals that are not open to the general public. In addition, congressional members can receive outpatient care at all Washington, D.C., area hospitals free of charge. House or Senate members hospitalized as inpatients at one of these hospitals, they receive a special rate determined by the Department of Defense. Additionally, members of Congress can pay a yearly fee ($491 as of 2007) in exchange for free health care (aside from surgery, dental and vision care) from the Office of the Attending Physician at the U.S. Capitol.
Large Selection of Health Plans
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No single plan is offered to congressional members. Instead, the U.S. government provides a selection of more than 300 private health plans, only five of which are available to all government employees. Regardless of the plan selected, the government pays approximately 72 percent (a maximum of 75 percent) of the premium cost for both employees and their family. All plans cover office visits, surgery, inpatient, outpatient and mental health services. Prescriptions are also included.
No Exclusions
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House and Senate members who sign up for one of the congressional or federal insurance plans receive immediate coverage with no waiting periods. A member cannot be denied care based on preexisting conditions, and all conditions must be covered. This coverage is available to federal employees, retirees and their survivors.
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