Gov't investigates health insurance company mailer

[babylonsister]

http://www.salon.com/wires/ap/2009/09/21/D9AROJG80_us_health_care_overhaul_medicare/index.html

Gov't investigates health insurance company mailer


Sep 21st, 2009 | WASHINGTON -- The government is investigating a major insurance company for allegedly trying to scare seniors about the health care overhaul in Congress.

The Health and Human Services Department is objecting to a mailer that Humana recently sent Medicare recipients.

It warned that "millions of seniors and disabled individuals could lose many ... important benefits and services." The bills in Congress would cut payments to private insurance plans that serve about one-fourth of seniors. Government experts say those plans are overpaid, and lawmakers insist it won't affect benefits.

HHS ordered Humana to stop all such mailings and says it may take further action based on its investigation. There was no immediate comment from Humana.

[auditguy]

1. the government can order a private company

to stop expressing opinions about pending legislation?

[Phoebe Loosinhouse]

2. Well, the government regulates Medicare and they probably regulate

Humana as a Medicare Advantage provider (if they are one), so I bet they are within their rights to put a halt to disinformation being peddled by a provider.

[babylonsister]

3. Expressing opinions is not the same as pushing outright falsehoods.

But thanks for playing. :eyes:

[safeinOhio]

4. Thats right

private companies have all the rights of a person and none of the responsibilities. Incorporating is not a license granted by the state, it is a birth certificate.