Amid the Idaho Legislature’s latest discussion on how the state will address health care needs of the working poor, a reader wrote to ask: What health benefits do state lawmakers receive? Here are the vitals:

Lawmakers are eligible for the same benefits package available to all state employees. Though Idaho’s 105 legislators technically serve part-time, they are considered full-time employees for purposes of insurance and retirement benefits. The state group health plan is held by Blue Cross of Idaho. See the rate schedule at IdahoStatesman.com.

The state’s health care contribution per full-time employee, including a 9 percent increase that kicked in this month with the new fiscal year, is $12,240 a year — $1,020 a month/Bill Dentzer, Idaho Statesman. More here.

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