Is CMS overselling (and overpaying) Medicare Advantage plans?

The NY Times reports that Democrats in Congress have sent a letter to CMS regarding alleged inaccuracies in the 2007 Medicare handbook sent to all beneficiaries, noting that it’s slanted in favor of Medicare Advantage plans (Medicare HMOs).  (See additional coverage here.) 

Congressman Pete Stark (one of those who signed the letter) has been after Medicare Advantage plans for a while; several months ago, he noted that a study called for by congressional committees found that MA costs were 11% higher than fee-for-service Medicare.

— David Harlow