Health Benefits for Members of Congress (CRS Report for Congress)
Premium Purchase PDF for $24.95 (10 pages)
add to cart or
subscribe for unlimited access
Pro Premium subscribers have free access to our full library of CRS reports.
Subscribe today, or
request a demo to learn more.
| Release Date |
Revised Feb. 12, 2013 |
| Report Number |
RS21982 |
| Report Type |
Report |
| Authors |
Barbara English, Information Research Specialist |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
| Older Revisions |
-
Premium Revised Nov. 30, 2012 (11 pages, $24.95)
add
-
Premium Revised May 3, 2012 (10 pages, $24.95)
add
-
Premium Nov. 23, 2004 (8 pages, $24.95)
add
|
Summary:
Current and retired Members of Congress are eligible to participate in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) under the same rules as other federal employees. The federal government is the largest employer in the United States, and FEHBP is the largest employer-sponsored health insurance program. FEHBP was authorized under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Act of 1959 (P.L. [Public Law] 86-382), and it is administered by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). This report provides a brief description of FEHBP eligibility, participation, health benefit plan options, and premiums. It compares FEHBP to private-sector and state and local government health benefit programs in the United States. It also covers other health benefits made available to Members of Congress through federal government employment, but does not examine other private benefits or veterans benefits that some Members may use. Lastly, this report discusses the effect of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA; P.L. 111-148) on Members' health benefits. In this report, the terms 'current federal employees' or 'active federal employees' mean all current federal employees, including current Members of Congress. The terms 'annuitants' or 'retirees' mean all retired federal employees, including retired Members of Congress.
