Foley's rehab paid for by taxpayers

WASHINGTON, Oct. 16 (UPI) -- The U.S. House of Representatives clerk's office says ex-Rep. Mark Foley's alcohol rehabilitation program is being paid for by a taxpayer funded medical plan.

Salley Collins, a spokeswoman for the clerk's office, said the Florida Republican is covered by a "temporary continuation of coverage" program that is available to federal employees who leave or resign their positions, Capitol Hill Blue reported Monday.

"Most, if not all (lawmakers), have some coverage as far as rehabilitation for drug and alcohol," Collins said.

Collins said she could not release specific details of Foley's medical plan, but Pete Sepp, vice president of communications for the National Taxpayers Union, said Foley's healthcare benefits will be available for 18 months under the plan.

Foley resigned Sept. 29 and in early October wrote that he had checked in to a "renowned in-patient facility to address my disease and related issues." The former congressman's lawyer, David Roth, said his treatment would last 30 days.