Government Announces 2010 Medicare Advantage Rates

"The problem is nobody believes that the doctors are going to get paid less next year," he said.

Medicare Advantage plans have taken criticism lately for their cost. White House Budget Director Peter Orszag has said the government will no longer overpay companies that offer these plans. The government spends about $1.30 on Medicare Advantage patients for each dollar it spends on patients in traditional Medicare.

But several members of Congress also worry about the impact a Medicare Advantage reimbursement reduction could have on people enrolled in the programs.

A letter sent to CMS officials and signed by both Democrat and Republican senators noted that enrollees in their states could face higher premiums and benefit cuts based on preliminary information released in February.

"We must work to develop productive reforms that protect the interests of (Medicare Advantage) enrollees," the letter stated.