After hearing various claims (congressmen get free, gold plated health care), our D.C. correspondent Les Blumenthal decided to find out exactly what members of Congress pay for health insurance and what kind of coverage they enjoy. You can read the full story in Sunday’s newspaper, but here’s the upshot:

• They do pay toward premiums and deductibles.
• They have access to the same policies that other federal employees do (and federal employees get many choices).
• For extra money they can have access to care from the Office of the Attending Physician located in the Capitol and get treatment at military hospitals.

Below is a roundup of what members of Washington’s delegation pay monthly for health insurance.

Sen. Patty Murray, Democrat: $356, including her husband.

Sen. Maria Cantwell, Democrat: $140 for just herself.

Rep. Dave Reichert, Republican: $469 including his wife, for health, dental and vision.

Rep. Rick Larsen, Democrat: $365 including his wife and two children.

Rep. Doc Hastings, Republican: $356 including his wife.

Rep. Adam Smith, Democrat: $356 including his wife and two children.

Rep. Norm Dicks, Democrat: $356 including his wife.