Posted on 09/22/2009 10:36:38 AM PDT by American Dream 246
Political intimidation has always been part of the current Congress's health-care strategy: "If you're not at the table, you're on the menu" is tattooed on every lobbyist and industry rep in Washington. But Max Baucus's latest bullying tactics are hard to believe by even these standards, as the Senate Finance Chairman has sicced federal regulators on the insurer Humana Inc. for daring to criticize one part of his health bill. Earlier this month, Humana sent a one-page letter to its customers enrolled in its Medicare Advantage plans, which offer private options to Medicare beneficiaries. Humana noted that, because of spending cuts proposed by Democrats, "millions of seniors and disabled individuals could lose many of the important benefits and services that make Medicare Advantage health plans so valuable." The Kentucky-based company also urged its customers to contact their Representatives. Pretty tame stuff, as these things go. Mr. Baucus took it as a declaration of war. He complained to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the federal health-care agency, which on Friday duly ordered Humana to cease and desist. CMS claimed the mailer was "misleading and confusing" and told the company it has opened an official probe as to whether the mailer violated laws about how the insurers that manage Advantage plans are allowed to communicate with their customers, as well as other federal statutes. "Please be advised that we take this matter very seriously and, based upon the findings our investigation, will pursue compliance and enforcement actions," CMS concluded, ominously. Humana could be fined or booted from Medicare Advantage altogether.
(Excerpt) Read more at online.wsj.com ...
what part of the constitution have they not violated.
Why does a great state like Montana have this jackass for a senator? I thought he was Mr. Howell on Gilligan’s Island.
The founders never intended for the 1st amendment to protect speech that disagrees with the powers that be.
If you went to Harvard like us, you’d know this.
Now pay your taxes - we need a raise....
I think Humana should immeditely file suit citing infringement on free speech, interference w/ commerce, buisness, etc. Get the videos of the senators who have verified that the Advantage plan will be dropped. If you can’t use a legislator for an authority on this mess (don’t laugh) who can you use.
But based on the fact that many have said that....go for it. Slap the buzzards in the face with it.
We really need another revolution. Unfortunately, there are so many countries just waiting for that importunity to jump us (any under the control of the OIC) that a revolution at this point would be suicide. It’s only going to get worse, and I don’t see a “better”.
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