PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- A seat in the Rhode Island legislature still comes with the promise of 100-percent state-paid health insurance, a perk worth $7,506 for an individual plan and $21,038 for family medical, dental and vision coverage.
But almost all new and returning lawmakers have decided to voluntarily pay at least 10 percent of the cost, or forgo the benefit in exchange for a $1,001 payment. Eighteen state lawmakers have declined both the health insurance and the payment.
House Speaker Gordon D. Fox pays 10 percent for a family-plan premium that covers him and his longtime partner. Senate President M. Teresa Paiva Weed pays 10 percent for a family plan that covers her and a young girl for whom she is the legal guardian.
As of Friday, Rep. Grace Diaz, vice-chair of the state Democratic Party, was the only lawmaker accepting free insurance.
Full-time state employees are required to pay at least 15 percent for family coverage.
Related links:
Senators' co-shares
Representatives' co-shares