(RALEIGH) -- One idea being offered to save the state money is to no longer allow part-time lawmakers to join the state Health Plan, which is available only to full time state workers in other cases. The State Employees Association of North Carolina has offered the idea of cutting lawmakers out of the State Health Plan.

Sarah Ovaska with North Carolina Policy Watch said she was denied the names of lawmakers who are on the plan when she asked legislative staffers. But she said she was able to find out that 147 of the 170 members of the legislature do use the benefit.  "The state is paying about $5,000 per year for each legislator.  That adds up to $723,000," said Ovaska.

State Sen. President Pro Tem Phil Berger said he is on the plan, and encouraged lawmakers to voluntarily disclose if they use the plan.