NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee records show that there are more former lawmakers enrolled in the health insurance plan for state employees than current lawmakers.
The Knoxville News Sentinel (http://bit.ly/1EGB2Ye) cited records from the state office of benefits administration in reporting that 148 former lawmakers are enrolled compared to 116 current lawmakers.
The newspaper reports that state law allows those elected to the state Legislature to remain on the taxpayer-subsidized state employee health plan for life, though they are required to pay premiums.
Some of those still enrolled include public officials like U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen of Memphis and Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett.
Former state Sen. Edgar Gillock of Memphis also remains enrolled. Gillock left the Legislature in 1982 after being convicted of taking $130,000 for his influence in awarding government contracts