Private insurers can send information to seniors

The investigation began after one of the nation's largest health insurance provider Humana sent a mailer to members of the Medicare Advantage program warning them that their benefits would be drastically reduced under the overhaul of health care led by Obama's administration.

The mailer said that Medicare and Medicaid need to be made more efficient, which is the intent of the health care bill that was passed by the Senate Finance Committee this week. However, the mailer went on to say that if the proposed changes were made into law, "millions of seniors and disabled individuals could lose many of the important benefits and services that make Medicare Advantage health plans so valuable." It urged members to sign up for regular updates on health care legislation from Humana, and encouraged them to reach out to their lawmakers in Washington about the health care overhaul plan.

Medicare Advantage plans are the private options that replace standard Medicare.

The government was concerned that the mailer was confusing and misled seniors, and Senate Finance Committee chairman Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont. Complained about the mailer, prompting the Health and Human Services Department (HHS) to investigate.

The HHS ordered Humana to halt the mailings, and remove any related materials from their web site. After the federal government was faced with allegations it was violating free speech, the investigation was ended.

Republicans claimed that the federal government was taking action against Humana because the company disagreed with the administration. Many others felt the government overstepped its bounds in halting communications to members. It seems that providing members the opportunity to opt out of communications is a good solution for all involved.

Written by Nicole Palmby