The group that represents state workers is condemning the release of details about the health insurance provided to state lawmakers. 

The Tennessee State Employees Association accuses The Tennessean of trying to “disgrace” and “publicly shaming” legislators by publishing a breakdown of how much their health insurance coverage has cost the state since 2008. Overall, the plans total nearly $5.8 million.

The disclosure came after the General Assembly twice defeated Gov. Bill Haslam’s health care plan, Insure Tennessee.

The Tennessean has published information on all 132 legislators but articles have focused on the plan’s opponents, including state Rep. Glenn Casada, R-Franklin, and state Sen. Todd Gardenhire, R-Chattanooga. The newspaper reported that even Gardenhire’s college-age son was put on the state plan, a benefit allowed under the Affordable Care Act.

The TSEA says it has no position on Insure Tennessee, but the group adds there are differences between coverage provided by an employer and Medicaid expansion.

The association argues the premiums are not subsidies, but rather compensation. “Claiming otherwise is simply misleading and untrue,” the group says.

The TSEA also says information about lawmakers’ health should remain private.

“Legislators shouldn’t have to fear personal retaliation as a result of executing the duties of their office, even if the public is outraged by the outcome. If we don’t agree with a lawmaker’s decisions, we should vote them out.”