Anti-Tax Advocate Enters GA. Hospital Tax Controversy

Hospitals Respond to Norquist Letter on Provider Tax by Andy Miller.  Georgia Health News.  October 2, 2012.

Renewal of  a hospital fee aimed at raising money for Georgia's Medicaid program has come under fire from GOP anti-tax leader Grover Norquist.  In a letter to state legislators he stated that the fee would kill jobs and raise health costs.  Norquist has enlisted Republican legislators across the nation in an anti-tax pledge.    This tax, he maintains, violates the pledge.  Hospitals across Georgia have delivered letters to legislators stating that failing to renew the fee could double Medicaid shortfall  and limit care of Georgia's most vulnerable.  In Georgia the fee generates more than $200 million a year.  A fight over the hospital assessment will probably be a highlight of the 2013 General Assembly session