The AP reviewed lobbying reports filed with the state secretary’s office, pinpointing the Massachusetts Association of Health Plans as the biggest spender. The group, which represents 17 insurers, spent $1.05 million. The Massachusetts Hospital Association spent $882,470 and Steward Health Care was next up with $674,541. Academic medicine giant Partners HealthCare System spent $644,715. (See the AP’s full listing of the top-spending organizations.)
Lobbying reports cover a range of expenses, including salaries for lobbyists, office costs, public relations, telephone bills and technology, according to the report.
The combined $19 million last year spent by hospitals, insurers, physicians, unions and pharmaceutical companies is a leap for lobbying spending. In 2007, the industry spent $10.8 million.
Officials with lobbying organizations told the AP there is more political activity affecting healthcare, warranting greater involvement. An executive vice president with the MHA said nearly one-in-five of the 6,000 or more bills filed on Beacon Hill touch healthcare.
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