Fleming Sends Letter To CMS Opposing "Gag Order" On Communication To Seniors About Health Care Legislation

Press Release

Congressman John Fleming has signed onto a letter being sent to President Obama's Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Charlene Frizzera, to express his opposition to the recent gag order CMS has placed on all Medicare Advantage plans relating to factual information about how pending health reform legislation may negatively affect their beneficiaries' access and coverage.

"My concern is that CMS is inserting itself into the health care reform debate by using its regulatory powers to try and stem the flow of information from private companies that do not agree with the policy proposals put forth by the Administration," said Congressman Fleming. "It is not the role of CMS to limit free speech."

CMS, in a recent letter to Humana, instituted the gag order under the pretenses that information Humana sent to its beneficiaries concerning possible changes to Medicare Advantage was "misleading and confusing," even though the information, which warned millions of seniors could lose benefits or have their premium costs for up and access limited, was affirmed by the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office.

Congressman John Fleming represents the 4th District of Louisiana and is a member of the House Armed Services and Natural Resources Committees.

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