U.S. health insurers say they face gag order after being caught sending out anti-health care reform propaganda

U.S. health insurers whine about being "gagged" after being told not to violate marketing rules or improperly use protected Medicare mailing lists.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), which oversees the Medicare program for the elderly and disabled as well as privately run Medicare alternatives, said on Monday it was investigating a letter Humana Inc (HUM.N) sent enrollees about efforts to overhaul the nation's healthcare system.

Humana's letter, sent in an envelope citing important plan information, told customers the Democrats' bills could hurt "millions of seniors and disabled individuals who could lose many of the important benefits and services that make Medicare Advantage health plans so valuable," according to CMS.

The agency also warned other insurers against sending potentially misleading health reform mailings to customers.

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