Bob Ellis, vice chair of the Fulton County (Ga.) Commission, proposed funding healthcare with a county-wide special sales tax to replace the more than $100 million in residents’ property tax that go toward healthcare each year. More than $60 million is used to subsidize Atlanta-based Grady Memorial Hospital.
Grady Memorial — which sports 989 beds — became Atlanta’s only level 1 trauma center after Wellstar shuttered two hospitals in the city last year. Since 1978, the hospital has received nearly $3 billion from Fulton County, according to the report.
Mr. Ellis sponsored a resolution asserting a 1 cent sales tax would says it would garner $363 million per year for the city’s hospitals. His proposal was put on hold April 12 but has prompted discussions about healthcare spending — especially in a post-AMC era.
“I just think it’s time to open up that conversation,” Mr. Ellis said. “I think it’s a more practical means than looking at additional millage rates on our property tax base to fund such things.”
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.
