WASHINGTON, D.C. -- After learning that there is a segment of the federal workforce that does not have any health insurance, Representative Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY), along with Reps. Wynn (D-MD), Davis (R-VA), Hoyer (D-MD), Morella (R-MD), and Moran (D-VA) has introduced a bill to study which federal employees are uninsured and why.

"I was shocked to learn that there are federal employees who do not have health insurance. After all, most people would agree that the federal government has one of the most affordable, comprehensive health benefit plans available to workers -- so why would so many people not be covered? The assumption is that there are some federal employees who simply cannot afford to pay the employee share of the premium for health insurance; however, there are no statistics that provide this information. So, we decided that we needed to learn more about who is uninsured and why," Rep. Maloney said.

"When people think about the benefits of working for the federal government, the Federal Employee Health Benefit Plan (FEHBP) is often cited as one of the most favorable perks," said Congressman Tom Davis (R-VA-11th). "Unfortunately, we know that there are a number of federal employees, and their families, who are uninsured or under-insured. Until we've obtained an accurate measure of the scope of this problem, it will be impossible to remedy it."

"This legislation will give Congress the information to help ensure that all federal employees and annuitants have access to the best possible health care at an affordable price," said. Rep. Connie Morella (R-MD).

This bill requires the Office of Personnel Management to conduct a study to determine the approximate number of Federal employees and retirees who are eligible to participate in the health benefits program, but who are not covered by this program or by any other health insurance.

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