MORE REASONS FOR NOT VOTING FOR RICK SCOTT

HERE ARE MORE REASONS FOR NOT Voting FOR RICK SCOTT...



Here’s your Saturday edition of the Rick Scott Fraud Files. From what we are hearing on the ground at today’s events on the campaign trail, Rick Scott shockingly didn't address reports that his company gave illegal kickbacks to doctors for patient referrals. That’s unfortunate because Florida voters certainly deserve some answers.

The latest report from the Rick Scott Fraud Files comes courtesy of the Miami Herald and the Department of Justice:

While Rick Scott served as CEO of Columbia/HCA, Dr. James Thompson, as part of a federal court "whistle blower" lawsuit, accused Columbia/HCA of paying doctors illegal kickbacks including cash, free vacations and cheap office rentals in exchange for patient referrals. He received part of a $225.5 million settlement by HCA to resolve lawsuits alleging that HCA hospitals and home health agencies unlawfully billed Medicare, Medicaid and TRICARE for claims generated by the payment of kickbacks and other illegal remuneration to physicians in exchange for referral of patients.
Key Quotes:

“Columbia-HCA Healthcare Corp., the nation's biggest hospital chain, paid doctors illegal kickbacks including cash, free vacations and cheap office rentals in exchange for patient referrals, a doctor's lawsuit charges. “ (Miami Herald 11/11/95)

“$225.5 million to resolve lawsuits alleging that HCA hospitals and home health agencies unlawfully billed Medicare, Medicaid and TRICARE for claims generated by the payment of kickbacks and other illegal remuneration to physicians in exchange for referral of patients. In 2001, Columbia Management Companies, Inc., pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to pay kickbacks and other monetary benefits to doctors in violation of the Medicare Anti kickback Statute and paid a $30 million criminal fine. Dr. James Thompson, a doctor who filed suit against the company in 1995, will receive $41.5 million as his statutory share of the settlement. Gary King, a former HCA employee, will receive $5 million and Ann Mroz, a former HCA nurse, will receive a share of $837,500.” (Department of Justice announcement of settlement)