Rural Ga. Hospitals Eligible For Tax Donations List Finalized
Between 35 and 50 of Georgia’s struggling rural hospitals could qualify for millions under some new tax credits that go into effect next year.
Department of Community Health Commissioner Clyde Reese said his agency has finalized the list of hospitals eligible for contributions starting in 2017, the result of a new law passed by the legislature earlier this year.
Through 2019, people and companies who make those contributions to these hospitals would get a state tax credit. Total contributions are capped at $50 million in 2017, $60 million in 2018 and $70 million in 2019.
Reese said while the list is finalized, he’s not ready to release it publicly.
“We have something that I’m ready to share with the governor’s office, and of course I’m going to get their approval and feedback first, so we’re not quite ready to release anything yet,” Reese said.
Jimmy Lewis of Hometown Health, a network of rural hospitals, said the financial help is critical.
“[The number of qualifiers] is certainly in the ballpark that we were expecting, and it’s in conjunction with, obviously, a bill that should have tremendous impact — positive impact — on rural hospitals,” Lewis said.
At least four rural hospitals have closed in Georgia in recent years.
9(MDAxODM0MDY4MDEyMTY4NDA3MzI3YjkzMw004))
Top Stories
