Clinton hoped to embarrass members of Congress into acting on his health care plan when he asked them to back "the same health care security" that lawmakers enjoy. They do get good benefits, but their health plan doesn't much resemble the one Clinton seeks.
Along with nearly 10 million federal workers, lawmakers are covered through the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program. It is a gigantic clearinghouse of insurance plans that offers options ranging from health maintenance organizations to all-inclusive fee-for-service packages. Prices vary, depending on the generosity of the coverage. Costs are held down because the huge program can negotiate good deals with insurers. Here's how FEHB stacks up with Clinton's plan:
Who pays? Under FEHB, tax revenues cover up to 75 percent of members' insurance premiums. (Surprise: Taxpayers also help subsidize lawmakers' access to Capitol doctors and exclusive government hospitals.) Under Clinton's plan, employers would have to pay 80 percent of average premiums, with discounts for small firms.
Who chooses? Under Clinton's plan, families would be offered at least three insurance options, including one enabling them to pick their own doctors. But Americans wouldn't necessarily have the wide variety of choices now available under FEHB.
What's covered? Clinton wants all insurers to offer at least a core package of health benefits. Under FEHB, there's no mandated package, so workers can opt for very inexpensive insurance and maximize their take-home pay.
The White House wants to abolish FEHB by 1998 and insure all its members under Clinton's new program. Meanwhile, Republicans led by Sen. Don Nickles of Oklahoma propose instead to give all Americans access to an FEHB-style menu of options, although employers wouldn't have to help foot the bill.
