Rick Scott; you remember him: the man who ripped off Medicare, Medicaid, and a federal employees medical program and whose company, Columbia/HCA was fined $1.7 billion. The US Justice Department called it the largest government fraud settlement case in the history of the United States. Scott was the founder and CEO of the healthcare giant. In 1997, Scott resigned under pressure from the board while the FBI was investigating scrupulous billing practices of the company.
In accordance with lawsuits filed by the Justice Department, Scott and other company executives offered financial incentives to doctors for patient referrals, which is a violation of federal law. Ten different fraud charges were identified by the justice Department Department with the doctors payments being one of them. The company was also charged with fourteen felonies, most of which occurred under Scott’s supervision.
John Schilling, an accountant for Scott’s company testified in court that two separate sets of books were maintained. One to show federal auditors and the other for internal purposes. Schilling also notes the company routinely overcharged medicare. Further, Schilling said, “He (Scott ) was driven by financial greed.” Knowing most of the facts, the people of Florida still elected Scott as governor.
Scott wants to deny people medicare under the Health Care Act with the aid of Republican gislators such as Ellyn Setnor Bogdanoff who voted the party line 100% of the time. Florida Gov., Rick Scott, with the help of Republican Legislatorsmay have the votes. Especially legislators such as Ellyn Setnor Bogdanoff,who has no interest in protecting Florida voters when it comes to healthcare. Bogdanoff helped sponsor a bill, (SJR 2 ) authorizing exemptions from the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. What’s significant about this bill is the fact that it is designed to protect insurance companies and not the consumer. Is Mrs. Bogdanoff more has interested in the well-being of her constituents or of private insurance companies? You can preview the bill by going here. Exemptions Bogdanoff is running against Maris Sachs for the Senate seat in district 34.
Sachs will protect the rights of seniors and children and insure they receive proper health care. Beware of Bogdanoff.