Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, March 24, 1994 TAG: 9403240064
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Ray Reed
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
A: Washington folks don't have the same health plan(s) most American workers do.
They have choices of coverage from several companies and various levels of protection.
Premiums are paid mostly by the government, with employees picking up an average of 28 percent of the cost.
Most members of Congress opt for coverage through the Beneficial Association of Congressional Employees plan, paying about $169 per month for family coverage. The second-most-popular plan is Blue Cross and Blue Shield, at $101 per month for family coverage.
Pre-existing health conditions are not excluded, and coverage cannot be canceled by the insurance company if a really costly sickness occurs.
If someone leaves government service, he or she can keep that coverage up to 18 months by paying the full premium, which is about $475 per month for the first plan and $405 for Blue Cross.
If a person goes into the hospital, prior approval for surgery is required. Many other health plans share this feature.
Congress members can use the Capitol physician's office, headed by Dr. Robert C.J. Krasner, an internist and Navy rear admiral. They can get physical exams, X-rays and most other primary care on site. The cost to senators is $520 a year and $275 for House members, but a staff member told the Washington Post recently that no records are kept of who pays.
Members who need a hospital may go to Walter Reed Army Hospital or Bethesda Naval Hospital and pay bargain rates.
They cut through the bureaucratic red tape and get access to some of the nation's top doctors.
This information was provided by the National Association of Retired Federal Employees.
As for your question about what makes Congress members experts on health care: Some of them are physicians, and others have spent years on committees that focus on health issues.
The real proof, though, is in their ability to get terrific health coverage.
Driver buys the guard rail
Q: I travel Interstate 81 regularly, and I've seen a lot of damaged guard rails, I assume because of the bad weather and vehicles skidding on the road. Does the state get reimbursed for this damage, or does the taxpayer pay the bill? M.D., Roanoke
A: Any accidental damage to guard rails, signs or bridges that's investigated by police is charged to the driver's insurance, the Virginia Department of Transportation says.
A spokesperson said guardrail damage doesn't seem to be much above normal for a winter, but anyone spotting it can call (800) 367-ROAD. Potholes are demanding a high priority now.
Got a question about something that might affect other people too? Something you've come across and wondered about? Give us a call at 981-3118. Maybe we can find the answer.
by CNB