TOPICS
TOPICS
Committee leader scales back proposal to end FEHBP
The health care bill the Senate Finance Committee is debating contains a modified version of a Republican amendment that would end the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program.
The scaled-back language -- added to the underlying legislation by Finance Committee Chairman Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont. -- would allow, but not require, civil servants to leave FEHBP for state-based health care exchanges starting in 2013. Representatives of Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, the sponsor of the original amendment, said they still plan to push the stronger language.
"The amendment follows work that Sen. Grassley has done for a long time in seeking to have Congress live under the laws it passes for the rest of the country," said spokeswoman Jill Kozeny. "The amendment hasn't been withdrawn because the chairman's modification doesn't accomplish what the amendment seeks to do."
It is not clear, however, whether Grassley's proposal will receive a vote. Committee members filed more than 500 amendments to the bill, and the panel is unlikely to get to all of them during its markup, which is expected to continue next week.
Daniel Adcock, legislative director for the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association, said he did not think many federal employees would choose to leave FEHBP for state-based exchanges, because FEHBP would have lower costs and better benefits. "I think most people would look at the FEHBP and the state exchanges, and it would be a no-brainer," Adcock said.
He expressed concern the committee would consider Grassley's original amendment or make another modification, and noted that the federal insurance program often becomes a "political football" because members of Congress use it. "We're going to be anxious about the possibility of someone, somewhere else in the process making that a mandatory thing," he said.
NARFE also took exception to a proposal from Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., to allow certain private citizens to enroll in FEHBP. On Thursday, the group sent a letter to the committee opposing the amendment, because it would place those enrollees in the same risk pool as federal employees already in the program.
"While NARFE supports access to comprehensive health care for all Americans, we would oppose legislation that would open the FEHBP to nonfederal civilian enrollees without calculating their premiums in a separate risk pool," NARFE President Margaret Baptiste wrote.
Wyden spokeswoman Jennifer Hoelzer said the senator filed the amendment because he believes "all Americans should get the same health care as members of Congress."
COMMENTS
- I was very interested in Bryan Davis's comments about 'all Federal Employees that are against these proposals that would seemingly 'harm' them or remove their benefits need to remember a few things'. I disagree with Mr. Davis that federal employees don't pay 'taxes' as do those in the private sector. Yes, we do. Some of more than others. My taxes are being used for people such as yourself sir - to pay for unemployment, 'free' health care for those who choose not to work (and, are able to do so), or, my favorites - the heating and housing that people in the private sector and else where get to have because they are considered low income. My mother who is elderly and on a fixed income is not able to apply for these programs, because, oh, she makes $100.00 more a year than the income guidelines. Yet, there are some folks in the private sector who are receiving food stamps and health care who make way more than I, a federal employee. I am not sure what your employment is - but, do some checking and get your facts straight before you condemn ALL federal employees, sir. Oh, by, the way - I pay city and states taxes to take care of people such as yourself who feel they are being slighted by the federal government. All of my so-called benefits are taxed (and sometimes more than necessary). So, the next time you choose to go off on those of us who are employed by the federal government - remember, we do pay more than our fair share of taxes. Some of you forget that the Congress and President and all his staff are government employees. I help pay their wages out of my lowly federal 'not-much' taxes. Marilyn Posted December 10, 2009 4:51 PM
- To those of you who think we don't pay taxes and get paid from taxes the government collects from you; Think again! I am in the 28% tax bracket and I pay for my insurance at the post office! Our salaries come entirely from POSTAGE!!! Obviously, you don't know what you are talking about! Nancy Fritz Posted October 30, 2009 11:00 PM
- Does no one remember when our U.S. Gov't pay scales were sooooo very far less than those in the private sector? Autoworkers specifically made greater earnings and enjoy far better benefits the we and most other working Americans did. Federal GS employees were far underpaid in comparison. I am NOT talking about the wealth grabbing legislatures who can reap all the benefits for only 4 years of service. Our FEHPB program works because we are active, consciencous workers who perhaps take better care of ourselves. Our managed plans are successful because they include "planned" health care coverage, at specific price conditions limitations to the doctors. That is why it is successful! It should be the MODEL for the national health care program. It should not be eliminated nor changed, because it does work. It is not fair to break a contract with retirees who have served their country for over 30 years, traveled to desolate places all over this world, doing things that most people would not / could not do. I hope NARFE and the collective support of all Federal employees and retirees, will oust these radical elected officials who seek fame and glory for jumping in with the growing bandwagon of SOBs just seeking "Change" withour realizing the consequences and poor judgement of their decisions. Stan Posted October 13, 2009 3:53 PM
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