Healthcare for Congress examined

Members of Congress receive the same basic health insurance coverage as rank-and-file federal employees, although lawmakers also have access to other services not available generally, according to a new internal congressional report. The Congressional Research Service report, dated May 3, addresses an issue that commonly arises during debates over health insurance policy. Nearly all federal employees, including elected federal officials, are eligible to participate in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program. FEHBP also has no requirement for medical examinations on enrollment, no pre-existing condition exclusions or waiting periods, the choice of self-only or self-and-family coverage, and an employer contribution toward premiums that averages about 72 percent of the total cost.