Government Announces 2010 Medicare Advantage Rates

TOM MURPHY

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The federal government said Monday it will bump up a rate used to figure Medicare Advantage reimbursement to insurers, but many analysts expect overall payment rates to fall next year.

That raises some concern for how lower reimbursement will affect the plans, which allow the elderly and disabled to receive benefits through private health insurers.

These plans receive a government subsidy and generally offer more benefits than traditional Medicare, but they've drawn criticism for their cost. ...