Workers comp, drug dispensing, political contributions, and jobs

Automated Healthcare Solutions, their execs and affiliates contributed $1.7 million to political campaigns over the last two years.
If anyone has any doubts about the financial returns enjoyed by the physician dispensing business, yesterday’s report in Health News Florida should put them to rest.
According to reporter John Dorschner, “The analysis of the $1.7 million in contributions by AHCS, related entities, executives and family members shows $615,000 has gone to the Freedom First Committee, linked to incoming Senate President Mike Haridopolos and $600,000 to the Florida Liberty Fund, linked to incoming House Speaker Dean Cannon. Another $200,000 went to the Florida Chamber of Commerce Alliance.”
It appears much of this then flowed thru to specific candidates, including Governor Charlie Crist.
That would be the same Charlie Crist who vetoed a bill that would have drastically cut reimbursement for physician dispensed medications.
According to the article, AHCS CEO Paul Zimmerman said the company supports politicians who “understand the risks employers go through and how we create jobs.”[emphasis added]
Another perspective on the job-creation front comes from a statement by Miami-Dade Schools’ risk and benefits officer Scott Clark. Miami-Dade Schools recently decided to stop paying inflated prices for drugs dispensed by physicians; according to the HNF article “Scott said he expects his moves to save the school board about $700,000 this year.”
That’s enough cash to hire – or keep – about 11 teachers.