PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Nearly all new and returning Rhode Island legislators say they will pay at least 10 percent of their state-paid health insurance or waive the benefit in exchange for a $1,001 end-of-year payment.
The Providence Journal reports (http://bit.ly/yXauJR ) that 19 House members and 12 senators may claim a waiver payment in December. Another 18 lawmakers declined the health insurance and waiver payment.
State-paid health insurance is worth $7,506 for an individual plan and $21,038 for family.
Most of Rhode Island's part-time lawmakers who are paid $14,640 a year have chosen to pay 10 percent, 15 percent or 20 percent of the cost. A few lawmakers are agreeing to pay 25 percent.
Full-time state employees are required to pay between 15 percent and 25 percent of the cost, depending on how much they are paid.
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Information from: The Providence Journal, http://www.providencejournal.com
