This isn't an issue now, but I'm curious: if a private citizen wanted the kind of health insurance

[closeupready]

Senators enjoy, would $5,000 cover the premiums for a year? Would that cover even one month?

[Donnachaidh]

1. it's my understanding that they pay $35 per MONTH

Don't know the particulars, but I sure as hell would want ACCESS to the same system. Hell, I could afford THAT.

[closeupready]

2. Wow, that sure is affordable.

I guess I was thinking in terms of McCain's $5,000 tax credit, i.e., no taxpayer subsidy, which, considering how generous the benefits of their health coverage is, I would be surprised how far $5,000 goes.

[GinaMaria]

3. It's affordable because we, their employers, pay for most of it. eom

[wishlist]

5. Don't think it is that low, most Fed workers pay over $200/month for family

For single individual coverage, employee might pay as little as $90 but to also cover a spouse and/or children it is usually at the very least $200 a month or more for a policy that covers more expenses,

[wishlist]

4. Yes, $5000 per year would cover a basic individual Federal health plan

Federal employees have a choice of several individual or family policies from very basic up to more expensive coverage and pay about 1/3 of the cost of their plan of choice, while Federal Govt pays the remaining 2/3. Blue Cross Federal plans range from $4000+ per year to $13000+ depending on the choice of plan, including the employee and govt cost.

[ThomWV]

6. I have exactly the same insurance that Senators Have, it cost $356 a month

That is the share I pay, the Government pays the rest. By the way, every Government Employee has exactly the same insurance (well, without explaining the program to you that's reasonably true).

[closeupready]

7. Thanks for that. And also out of curiosity, do you know

how much the government pays on your behalf?