Insurance

President Obama on Wednesday abandoned a proposal to bill veterans' private insurance companies for the treatment at VA hospitals of combat-related injuries amid an outcry from veterans' service organizations and members of Congress. The proposal would have authorized the Department of Veterans Affairs to charge private insurers for treating injuries and other medical conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, that are related to military service.

Here are some reader questions on the national healthcare debate: What kind of insurance do members of Congress have, and what do they pay for it? Members of Congress can buy insurance through the Federal Health Benefits Program, which is open to all federal employees. It offers a large variety of plans that can be tailored for individuals and families. There are no exclusions for preexisting medical conditions. Because of the large pool of employees covered by the program, it can encourage insurers to offer affordable premiums.