These 34 State Lawmakers are Opting Out of the General Assembly Health Insurance Plan

Just like employees at most other jobs in the U.S., Illinois state legislators are entitled to health insurance as part of their compensation for writing and voting on laws for the state. Unlike many other health care plans, however, the lawmakers get to keep their plans after they leave the job (as part of their pension packages). The health insurance also is part of the benefits package for what officially is a part-time job, something unusual in the private sector.

As the Illinois News Network’s Scott Reeder pointed out, that means that Illinois taxpayers spent $1.23 million on insurance for current and former legislators. But there are 34 lawmakers (out of 177) who have decided to forgo the state-provided health insurance and cover their medical costs another way.

Here are the 34 Illinois state legislators who are not covered by the General Assembly’s health insurance plan.

Like what you see here from Reboot Illinois? Then sign up for our daily email to get more great content right to your email inbox.