Deal keeps US healthcare contribution for Congress

WASHINGTON — The Obama administration told Congress on Thursday that it would allow the federal government to continue paying a large share of the cost of health insurance for members of Congress and their aides, averting a problem for many who work on Capitol Hill. However, under the arrangement, lawmakers and many of their aides will have to get coverage through new health insurance marketplaces, or exchanges, being set up in every state. The House Democratic leader, Nancy Pelosi of California, welcomed the new arrangement, worked out by the White House and the United States Office of Personnel Management, under pressure from Congress.