Rep. Maffei Introduces Members Play by the Same Rules Act

WASHINGTON, July 23 -- Rep. Daniel Maffei, D-N.Y. (24th CD), issued the following news release:

U.S. Representative Dan Maffei today introduced the Members Play by the Same Rules Act, a bill that would eliminate the taxpayer subsidy for health insurance for Members of Congress and require Members purchasing insurance on the individual market to go through the health care exchange set up to cover his or her home state. "Members of Congress should play by the same rules as the people they represent," said. Rep. Maffei. "That means no taxpayer-funded subsidy to cover the cost of their health insurance and no exemption for Members to get insurance through an exchange that is not available to their constituents. This bill will ensure that Members aren't receiving special treatment for their health insurance." Rep. Maffei is enrolled in a co-op plan offered through the New York State of Health exchange. He does not receive any taxpayer-funded subsidy and pays his premium out of pocket every month. This legislation does not affect anyone except Members of the House and Senate. Specifically, the Members Play by the Same Rules Act:

* Prohibits Members of Congress from receiving a taxpayer-funded subsidy to pay for his or her health insurance if that Member served on or after the day the Affordable Care Act was signed into law.

* Requires that if a Member of Congress purchases health care through the exchange set up by the Affordable Care Act, they must purchase through their home state's exchange.

* Applies these changes to Members of both the House and Senate.

U.S. Representatives Ron Barber (AZ-2) and John Barrow (GA-12) are original cosponsors of this legislation.

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