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White House Threatens to Prosecute Private Medicare Companies for Warning Seniors of Cuts
LifeSiteNews ^ | 9/25/09 | Kathleen Gilbert

Posted on 09/25/2009 4:14:01 PM PDT by wagglebee

WASHINGTON, D.C., September 25, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) - The Obama administration has aroused a fierce First Amendment controversy after threatening companies selling private Medicare coverage not to tell their customers that current health care legislation would result in benefit cuts - or else face a lawsuit.

The administration and Senate Democrats justify the move by saying the claim, spread by at least one such company, is patently false. Yet some say the administration is the one twisting the facts to help the unpopular legislation: critics note that even the head of the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office agrees that the legislation would mean a loss of senior benefits.

The general warning came after the Department of Health and Human Services launched a probe against the insurance giant Humana earlier this month after it sent out a mailing warning of the possible cuts.

"As we continue our research into this issue, we are instructing you to immediately discontinue all such mailings to beneficiaries and to remove any related materials directed to Medicare enrollees from your Web sites," the HHS Centers for Medicare and Medicaid told health insurance companies in a notice Monday.

The bill currently under construction in the Senate Finance Committee includes a proposal to cut Medicare and Medicaid spending by about $500 billion over the next decade, including about $125 billion cut from Medicare Advantage plans.

The Humana mailer had told its members that, "if the proposed funding cut levels [in the current health care legislation] become law, millions of seniors and disabled individuals could lose many of the important benefits and services that make Medicare Advantage health plans so valuable." The company encouraged seniors to contact their congressional representatives on the issue.

The AP reports that the government, in addition to launching an investigation, ordered Humana to cease distributing the mailer and indicated that further action could be taken against the company. According to a company spokesman, Humana is cooperating with the investigation and stopped the mailer earlier this month.

Democratic Sen. Max Baucus sparked the probe after he complained that the mailer was misleading. He insists that the cuts will not amount to a loss of benefits for seniors, but will in fact improve Medicare by making it more efficient.

"I'm not going to let insurance company profits stand in the way of improving Medicare for seniors," said Baucus in a statement.

The Obama administration similarly denies that the large proposed Medicare cuts will reduce seniors' benefits.

An email distributed to White House subscribers today referred to an "ongoing effort by many in Washington to scare America's seniors with myths about what reform would mean for their health care benefits," saying that this is "a bunch of malarkey." The email encouraged readers to contact elderly friends and family to ensure that they "get the facts."

However, the head of the nonpartisan Congressional Budget office says the claim Democrats call misleading is, in fact, accurate.

Douglas Elmendorf confirmed to members of the Senate on Tuesday that the proposed cuts for Medicare's managed care plans in the Finance Committee bill would mean fewer benefits for seniors in the plan.

Despite the White House's vigorous attempts to dispel anxiety over the health care overhaul, seniors in public polls continue to display broad skepticism of the legislation set to undergo crucial construction in the next several days. America's Health Insurance Plans spokesman Robert Zirkelbach pointed out in a FOX News report that the Obama administration's order was sent out to about 200 companies Monday night, just before the Senate Finance Committee commenced debate on the latest version of the health overhaul.

"This is an effort to stifle any dissent," said Zirkelbach.

Capitol Hill Republicans have pushed back against the Humana probe, calling it a politically-motivated "gag order" and an "astonishing overreach" of the administration's power. On Thursday, Senate Republicans threatened to block Obama's health care-related appointments until the decision is reversed, while House Republicans called for a hearing on the matter.

In a letter to HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, Senate Republicans pointed out that a 1997 directive from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services explicitly allowed HMOs to tell members about legislation and urge them to express opinions.

"Now, the Obama administration has reversed this longstanding HHS decision -- in the midst of a critical debate about the future of health care services in our country -- to shut down communication between private companies and America's seniors on an issue that has a direct impact on their health care," said the Senators.


TOPICS: Culture/Society; Extended News; Government; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: agenda; bho44; bhoeuthanasia; bhofascism; bhohealthcare; bhohhs; bhotyranny; censorship; corruption; cwii; deathpanels; democrats; healthcare; humana; moralabsolutes; obamabrownshirts; obamacare; oppression; prolife; rapeofliberty; seniorhealthcare; sibelius; socializedmedicine; tyranny
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To: frposty
The CBO says that what they are saying is true.

This is just pure censorship. And f....ing unconstitutional.

41 posted on 09/25/2009 6:19:51 PM PDT by 2111USMC
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To: LucyT

White House Threatens to Prosecute Private Medicare Companies for Warning Seniors of Cuts
~~~
For telling the TRUTH??!?!?!?!


42 posted on 09/25/2009 6:30:19 PM PDT by 1COUNTER-MORTER-68 (THROWING ANOTHER BULLET-RIDDLED TV IN THE PILE OUT BACK~~~~~)
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To: LucyT; wagglebee; bruinbirdman; potlatch; devolve; ntnychik; MeekOneGOP; dixiechick2000; ...

NANCY-ANN MIN DEPARLE

43 posted on 09/25/2009 8:01:48 PM PDT by PhilDragoo (Hussein: Islamo-Commie from Kenya)
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To: LucyT

Thanks for the ping.


44 posted on 09/25/2009 8:03:57 PM PDT by GOPJ (When I hear "New York Times"-fair or not -what I hear is "New York Times Whore House"...)
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To: PhilDragoo; potlatch

45 posted on 09/25/2009 8:05:39 PM PDT by devolve ( . . . . . . . . . . never whack them with a 2x4 if 4x4 is handy . . . . . . . . . . .)
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To: wagglebee
The Obama administration has aroused a fierce First Amendment controversy after threatening companies selling private Medicare coverage not to tell their customers that current health care legislation would result in benefit cuts - or else face a lawsuit.

No problem. "The Obama administration has threatened us with lawsuits if we tell you that you might lose benefits under their new health care proposals". That would galvanize people more than the thing they weren't supposed to tell them, plus they get told that anyway.

46 posted on 09/25/2009 8:55:14 PM PDT by Still Thinking (If ignorance is bliss, liberals must be ecstatic!)
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To: PhilDragoo; wagglebee; bruinbirdman; potlatch; devolve; ntnychik; MeekOneGOP; dixiechick2000
"Capitol Hill Republicans have pushed back against the Humana probe, calling it a politically-motivated "gag order" and an "astonishing overreach" of the administration's power."

Right on Dragoo.

It is of course the work of Health Commissar, NANCY-ANN MIN DEPARLE, to enforce the party line.

Working behind the scenes to wreak havoc on administration underlings who would otherwise let Humana exercise its 1st amendment right, the Health Commissar issues unreported edicts to cabinet secretaries, legal advisors, and assorted subordinates.

The message is always the same, "This is the party line. It will be expedited without question."

The unconfirmed Commissar, of course, cannot be summoned to testify and is protected by executive privilege, a license to extort.

yitbos

47 posted on 09/25/2009 9:03:59 PM PDT by bruinbirdman ("Those who control language control minds.")
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To: wagglebee

It’s getting more and more like Nazi Germany every day.

***

Prosecute ... FOR WHAT ??? Telling the TRUTH ???

In the immortal words of General Mcauliffe at the Battle of the Bulge ... “NUTS !!!” ...


48 posted on 09/25/2009 9:38:55 PM PDT by Lmo56
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To: wagglebee

This title is very disturbing to say the least.


49 posted on 09/25/2009 9:49:52 PM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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To: wagglebee

This is probably getting more play than if the letters just went out and most got tossed in the trash without reading them..... doesn’t excuse the administration, but shows how incompetent they are and how they keep losing control over their own message.


50 posted on 09/25/2009 9:59:37 PM PDT by Arizona Carolyn
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To: wagglebee; Fred Nerks; null and void; stockpirate; george76; PhilDragoo; Candor7; GOPJ; BP2; ...


It's getting more and more like Nazi Germany every day.

In 1930s Germany, when MOST saw the events unfolding before them — yet only a HANDFUL did anything to ACTIVELY try stop it — acted with what could be called missbilligende stille, or "disapproving silence".

History is said not to repeat itself ... but let me offer some perspective with current events in the United States in 2009:

First, we've heard rumors that bank officials that were being BULLIED — Chicago style — by the White House earlier this year.

Around the same time, automotive company officials were BULLIED by the White House — some forced to resign — with the White House forcing the automotive industry to produce cars that matched a Green agenda only a small segment of the buying public truly wants to purchase.

Over the summer, lawful dissension by the Right (and by some on the Left) at Town Halls and Tea Parties was criticized and BULLIED by ELECTED officials in Congress and their proxies (SEIU). Most recently, cries of Racism have been used to try to squelch opponents.

Revealed on today's Glenn Beck radio show, businesses across the nation are currently being BULLIED with threats of “social justice” (e.g, protests of their business by the Left) if they don't drop out of their Chamber of Commerce because the Chamber is causing "problems" with Cap & Trade lobbying in Washington. By the way, Glenn will reveal more about that next week.

... and now the story of THIS thread:

"White House Threatens to Prosecute Private Medicare Companies for Warning Seniors of Cuts"


Regardless of how you may feel about the recent irresponsibility of failing banks, automobile companies, the insurance industry, etc ... and their BAILOUTS ... our government, made up of our ELECTED officials — who have taken an OATH to defend our Constitution, including of course the First Amendment — is ACTIVELY trying to Censor Citizens and businesses via belittling, intimidation and threats of legal action. Those in power NOW are trying to fundamentally change our Economic system of capitalism, that has been in place since BEFORE the American Revolution. Call THEIR system what you willSocialism, Marxism, Progressivism — it's NOT what America is.

There's a WAR going on in this country, being perpetrated by the White House and the Left in Congressagainst commerce & capitalism, and Citizens who disagree with their agenda for Change.

Again, there IS a WAR going on in our country being waged against American ideals — AND Americans — by our own government. It's WAY past time that we recognize and deal with it!

They will feed on YOUR fear and disapproving silence. Do NOT enable them. Stop turning the other cheek to people who continue to slap you.

Do NOT be COMPLICIT with disapproving silence. Disapproving silence did not work to stop a wave of Brown Shirts or Black Shirts, and it will NOT be enough to stop a modern-day Progressive agenda hellbent on transforming American.

Just like a thief in the night, or the bully on the playground, they will continue and continue unless you meet them HEAD ON and stop them. If you haven't been involved, or gotten those around you involved up to this point — NOW is the time to do so.


51 posted on 09/25/2009 10:04:21 PM PDT by BP2 (I think, therefore I'm a conservative)
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To: BP2

BP2, they misjudge us. They take our civility for weakness. They do not believe we will ever fight back. So they push, and they push, while the left is busy preparing to begin physically attacking us. They are telegraphing their punches. They are busy preparing to intimidate and silence us.

Do not mistake this quiet on our part for compacency. We are watching. We are aware. We are busy hardening our spines while they remain spineless. BULLIES are always cowards. So if, or when, it comes to the point that they actually do what they are PLANNING to do, they are in for the shock of their arrogant, insufferable lives.

I have asked myself repeatedly if I am ready for this because it is going to be ugly. It is going to be bloody. It will not be over as easily as they think, and it will not end the way they think it will. They will lose.

THAT, I am sure of.


52 posted on 09/25/2009 11:38:21 PM PDT by MestaMachine (One if by land, 2 if by sea, 3 if by Air Force 1.)
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To: GOPJ

You’re welcome, GOPJ.


53 posted on 09/26/2009 9:44:48 AM PDT by LucyT ("The problem with socialism is that eventually you run out of other people's money." - M.Thatcher)
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To: BP2

Well stated. Many thanks for your continued acts of leadership.


54 posted on 09/26/2009 11:58:41 AM PDT by Faith
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To: Faith

I will repeat, and I think you will agree...

http://209.157.64.201/focus/f-news/2335200/posts
LISTEN UP CONGRESSMEN AND SENATORS. IF YOU PASS THIS HEALTHCARE BILL AGAINST THE WISHES OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE, YOU WILL LOSE YOUR JOBS IN 2010.
TODAY WAS THE FIRST SALVO IN THE FIGHT AGAINST OBAMA IN THE COURT SYSTEM. IT WILL BE HEARD ON ITS MERITS TO DETERMINE IF OBAMA IS QUALIFIED TO BE PRESIDENT.

MAKE NO MISTAKE LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, AMERICA DOES NOT WANT THIS HEALTH CARE PLAN SHOVED DOWN OUR THROATS. IF YOU TRY, YOU DO SO AT THE COST OF YOUR JOBS.

IF OBAMA IS FOUND TO BE A FRAUD, HE WILL BE REMOVED, AND THIS LEGISLATION WILL NEVER HAVE HAPPENED. YOU WILL HAVE SEALED YOU FATE, SIDING AGAINST YOUR CONSTITUENTS.

Do not say that you have not been warned. We are pissed off, we have told you we are pissed off, and do not want this to happen. If you don’t listen, you have only yourselves to blame.

You, do not represent YOU, you represent US, if you have forgotten, let me remind you.

Listen to the people you represent, or be tossed out on your ass...

That clear enough?


55 posted on 09/26/2009 1:44:05 PM PDT by etraveler13
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To: BP2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSWt7hOYYLY

THE BROWN SHIRTS...


56 posted on 09/26/2009 7:48:42 PM PDT by bitt (“You can’t make a weak man strong by making a strong man weak.” (Abraham Lincoln))
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To: socialismisinsidious


Socialized Medicine aka Universal Health Care daily digest PING LIST

FReepmail me if you want to be added to or removed from this daily digest ping list (one ping per day of links to pertinent articles).




57 posted on 09/26/2009 8:02:01 PM PDT by socialismisinsidious ( The socialist income tax system turns US citizens into beggars or quitters!)
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To: wagglebee
It's getting more and more like Nazi Germany every day.

Did you see the kids singing the Obama song?

58 posted on 09/26/2009 8:10:57 PM PDT by GOPJ (The Democrat-ACORN-MainstreamMedia-Criminal Establishment hates traditional Americans.)
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To: All
Pinged from Terri Dailies


59 posted on 09/27/2009 1:44:32 PM PDT by wagglebee ("A political party cannot be all things to all people." -- Ronald Reagan, 3/1/75)
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To: fanfan; Abathar; Abcdefg; Abram; Abundy; akatel; albertp; AlexandriaDuke; Alexander Rubin; ...



Libertarian ping! Click here to get added or here to be removed or post a message here!
(View past Libertarian pings here)
60 posted on 09/28/2009 7:53:36 AM PDT by bamahead (Avoid self-righteousness like the devil- nothing is so self-blinding. -- B.H. Liddell Hart)
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