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Laxman

(2,419 posts)
Fri May 5, 2017, 09:34 AM May 2017

What's Good For The Goose......

ever wonder what the congress members who just voted to pass the "Just Go Ahead and Die Already Trumpcare Act" do for their own benefits? Well, its worth a look. Paul Ryan just glossed right over the question of what will congress members do, but rest assured our fine elected officials will be well taken care of.

The Congressional Research Service has some handy information on the health care benefits our esteemed representatives are eligible to receive. https://fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/R43194.pdf While they used to get their benefits through the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, they were, until now, required to obtain their insurance through the dreaded Obamacare. Only it wasn't really all that much of a change for them. They were eligible to purchase their plans through the very comprehensive DC exchange DC Health Link with a full 107 different choices. (how many of them come from states that refused to set up exchanges back home? Well, I guess that wasn't a problem for them.) In addition to their many choices, if they selected a "Gold Level" plan, 72% of the cost was picked up by the taxpayer.

Members and staff are able to receive an employer contribution toward coverage purchased through the DC SHOP. The employer contribution is calculated using the statutory formula for health plans offered under FEHB. The percentage of premiums paid by the federal government is calculated separately for individual, self plus one, and family coverage, but each uses the same formula. According to the formula, the employer contribution is set at 72% of the weighted average of all FEHB plan premiums, not to exceed 75% of any given plan’s premium. The employer contribution to a plan for a part-time worker is generally prorated, following FEHB program guidelines. OPM indicates that Member and staff contributions to premiums are collected by payroll deduction and the contributions are tax preferred, as they are for FEHB enrollees.


Not a bad gig huh? Nobody's picking up 72% of my insurance premium. It's good to have some information to throw back at these cretins next time they dare appear before their constituents (like me-I'm coming for you Rodney and you're going down in the next election!)
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What's Good For The Goose...... (Original Post) Laxman May 2017 OP
Thanks, Laxman Cha May 2017 #1
I Just Don't Understand.... Laxman May 2017 #2
It's being brought up around here but the US M$M Cha May 2017 #3
K & R malaise May 2017 #4
That's a very interesting report Dread Pirate Roberts May 2017 #5

Laxman

(2,419 posts)
2. I Just Don't Understand....
Fri May 5, 2017, 09:46 AM
May 2017

why this isn't front and center in the debate. Have we become so numb to hypocrisy that we just expect it? As a people, are we just that incapable of critical examination? Put aside the sheer evil of celebrating millions of people losing their health care options so people like Speaker Ryan (who had led a life that has entirely consisted of being paid with public money-well other than what his owners throw his way) can claim a political victory. It just strikes me as the height of "do as I say, not as I do" or maybe better, suck it up peasants.

Cha

(295,929 posts)
3. It's being brought up around here but the US M$M
Fri May 5, 2017, 09:59 AM
May 2017

is evidently burying it.

We have to use Social Media to get it out.

Your description is exactly what it is.

Dread Pirate Roberts

(1,896 posts)
5. That's a very interesting report
Fri May 5, 2017, 10:59 AM
May 2017

In addition to getting us to pay for most of their coverage costs they have access to Vision and Dental. Long Term Care Insurance. Plus they can go to the Office of the Attending Physician and to military facilities for free health and dental. Why don't we all run for Congress and our problems will be solved! Who knew it could be that easy?

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