On the recordApril 14, 2011
I just want to go back to the point that was raised again with respect to what Members of Congress have in terms of health insurance plans. We have what's called a ``premium support plan.'' The idea behind a premium support plan is that the employer and employee share the premium, and the employer--in this case, the U.S. Government--pays a certain percent. I have right here the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program handbook, and it reads: The government's share of premiums paid is set by law. So Members of Congress have protected themselves by law. For most employees, the government contribution equals the lesser of 72 percent or 75 percent of the total premium for the particular plan. In other words, the Member of Congress/Federal employee has 72 cents for every premium dollar paid for. Whenever premiums go up, 72 percent of the cost of that premium is picked up by the government. The Republican plan gives seniors a raw deal. It does not give seniors the deal that Members of Congress give to themselves, and that should be put to rest right now. Just look at the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program handbook. With that, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlelady from Florida (Ms. Castor).
