A new state report is warning Florida Governor-elect Rick Scott not to give physicians malpractice immunity for treating Medicaid patients, according to a report by the St. Petersburg Times.
In November, the Republican-controlled legislature declared its intention to pass legislation in 2011 to shield physicians from Medicaid claims. Mr. Scott, a Republican and former CEO of HCA, won the governorship that month.
The new report, prepared by Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, the Democrat who lost to Mr. Scott in November, said the deal could cost the state at least $69 million a year.
Ms. Sink also questioned the assumption that doctors will be more willing to accept patients if they received immunity, which is not offered by any other state.
Read the St. Petersburg Times report on Medicaid.
Read more coverage of Florida Medicaid and Rick Scott:
- Florida Lawmakers Consider Malpractice Cap to Lure Physicians into Medicaid
- Former HCA Chief Rick Scott Wins Florida GOP Primary for Governor
- Former HCA CEO Rick Scott Faces Uphill Battle to Become Florida Governor
In November, the Republican-controlled legislature declared its intention to pass legislation in 2011 to shield physicians from Medicaid claims. Mr. Scott, a Republican and former CEO of HCA, won the governorship that month.
The new report, prepared by Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, the Democrat who lost to Mr. Scott in November, said the deal could cost the state at least $69 million a year.
Ms. Sink also questioned the assumption that doctors will be more willing to accept patients if they received immunity, which is not offered by any other state.
Read the St. Petersburg Times report on Medicaid.
Read more coverage of Florida Medicaid and Rick Scott:
- Florida Lawmakers Consider Malpractice Cap to Lure Physicians into Medicaid
- Former HCA Chief Rick Scott Wins Florida GOP Primary for Governor
- Former HCA CEO Rick Scott Faces Uphill Battle to Become Florida Governor