Claire introduces bill to allow ppl in counties w/out insurers on individual marketplace to buy same

[Scruffy1]

18. Every federal district has different insurers.

The federal insurance is under Benefeds. They don't really manage it, but the insurers have to meet specific rquirements to be listed. Where I live we have a choice between Blue Cross, Medica, Health Partners and maybe one more. If you live in DC there are a lot more. It's really the same as any other group insurance and it's not cheap. I get so tired of hearing about rediclous federal benefits from the unknowing. The last year i worked my family plan was $18,000 per year, and typically federal employees pay 50%. Unless you have a really good paying job, it is beyond the reach of the average hourly emplyee. I worked for the USPS, so we got a little better deal and only paid 40%, while congress critters paid 50%. This was a union advantage. Even then, I couldn't afford the "deluxe" plan as it would have cost me $700. per month. Instead you get saddled with copays, so it comes out about the same if you have health problems. This might make a good sound bit, but it is no solution to the high cost of health care.