Georgia fireworks tax would fund hospitals’ uncompensated care costs

A 5 percent excise tax on fireworks merchandise has generated nearly $2 million in Georgia since implemented in July 2015, reports Athens Banner-Herald.

Advertisement

Legislators proposed an amendment that would earmark the excise tax money for public health and hospital funding.

Specifically, the amendment allocates 55 percent of the excise tax collection to the Georgia Trauma Care Network Commission, 40 percent to the Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council and 5 percent to the local governments for public safety measures. 

The Georgia Trauma Care Network Commission helps repay trauma centers to cover uncompensated care costs for people injured in car crashes, severe fires and other events.

“This [excise tax revenue] will support trauma center readiness costs, enhance emergency medical services, provide trauma related education and improve the quality of trauma care throughout the state,” Dennis Ashley, MD, chair of the Georgia Trauma Care Network, told Athens Banner-Herald.

More articles on finance, revenue cycle management: 

GTCR to acquire RCM provider RevSpring
Volunteer clinics still essential for uninsured rural America: 3 takeaways
Retired cardiologist says hospitals’ quest for profits fuels higher healthcare costs

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.

Download Whitepaper

The cost-saving opportunity most health systems overlook

Many hospitals and health systems scrutinize staffing, service lines, and payer contracts for savings. Fewer look at one of their largest assets: real estate.…

Advertisement

Next Up in Financial Management

Advertisement

Comments are closed.