Georgia taxpayers would receive tax credits for contributions they make to nonprofit organizations that provide health care to rural Georgians under legislation approved Thursday in the state House.
House Bill 919, sponsored by state Rep. Geoff Duncan, R-Cumming, would create a pool of $100 million a year for tax credits for individuals or corporations who contribute to "rural health care organizations."
To qualify, an organization would have to be in a rural county, accept Medicaid and Medicare patients, provide care to indigent patients, receive at least 10 percent of its revenue from uncompensated care, be a nonprofit, and have a local board of directors.
“We can’t calculate how big our problem is in Georgia,” Duncan said in a recent interview. “If you live in a rural county and you get an infection and you go to the doctor or hospital, it’s a $250 office visit and a couple of prescriptions and it’s gone. If you don’t have a hospital, it’s two years later and it’s life-threatening.”
Duncan said his bill will encourage investment in rural areas where hospitals are closing or are under severe financial strain.
The bill passed 137-30. Many Democrats said they did not oppose Duncan’s bill but said the state should instead expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act.
"There is investment on the table for us to consider," said state Rep. Robert Trammell, D-Luthersville. "That's the funds available under the Affordable Care Act."
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