Georgia taxpayers would receive tax credits for contributions they make to nonprofit organizations that provide health care to rural Georgians, under legislation approved in the state House on Thursday.
House Bill 919, sponsored by Rep. Geoff Duncan, R-Cumming, would create a pool $100 million a year for tax credits for individuals or corporations who contribute to "rural health care organizations."
Qualifying organizations must 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 non-profit 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 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 argued the state should instead expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act.
"There is investment on the table for us to consider," Rep. Robert Trammell, D-Luthersville, said. "That's the funds available under the Affordable Care Act."
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