Rural Hospital Tax Credit
Georgia HEART Is Currently Accepting Applications for the 2026 Tax Year!
Keep Your Tax Dollars Local. Save Lives.
You Have a Choice…
- A choice in where your state income tax dollars go.
- A choice to provide your family and neighbors with stronger, more advanced local health care.
- A choice to invest in the future of Morgan County.
- A choice to save lives.
At Morgan Medical Center, we are more than a hospital: we’re a lifeline for this community. With your support, we can continue to grow, innovate, care for every person who walks through our doors, and save lives.
That’s why we continue partnering with Georgia HEART Hospital Program — an initiative that helps rural and critical access hospitals (like ours) increase their funding, expand services, and better meet the health care needs of thousands of Georgians.
What Is the Georgia HEART Hospital Program?
The Georgia HEART Rural Hospital Tax Credit Program allows individuals and businesses to redirect their state income tax dollars to support eligible rural hospitals — such as Morgan Medical Center — and receive a 100% state income tax credit in return.
This means you can support Morgan Medical Center at no added cost to you just by choosing where your tax dollars go.
The Impact of Georgia Heart on Rural Hospitals
How Georgia HEART Has Benefited Morgan Medical Center
Since partnering with Georgia HEART in 2017, contributions have allowed Morgan Medical Center to provide for the health care of individuals in various ways:
Invest in Advanced Technology
- 3D Mammography
- Stryker Surgical Camera
- C-Arm
- Portable Ultrasound
- Nuclear Medicine Equipment
- Mako SmartRobotics™ System
Expand Access to Specialized Surgical Care, Reducing the Need to Travel Long Distances
- General Surgery
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Comprehensive Breast Cancer Program
Modernize Hospital Operations
- Lab/Pharmacy Network Interface to Communicate with PCPs
- Patient Registration and Financial Services Platform
- Credentialing Software
- Patient Alarm System
Who Can Participate in Georgia HEART?
If you pay Georgia state income taxes, you qualify for a 100% tax credit by contributing through Georgia HEART.
Contribution Limits
(Beginning July 1, these contribution limits will change. In most cases, to unlimited.)
- Individual Filer – Up to $5,000
- Married Filing Separately – Up to $5,000
- Married Filing Jointly – Up to $10,000
- C Corporations, Trust, or Pass-Through Entity electing to pay tax at entity level – Up to 75% of annual Georgia Tax Liability
- Individual Owner of S-Corp, LLC, or Partnership (Pass-Through Entity) NOT paying tax at entity level – Up to $25,000
New for Pass-Through Businesses (Georgia HB 149)
Eligible businesses can now elect to pay state tax at the entity level and contribute at corporate-level limits, creating a SALT (state & local income tax) workaround and greater credit potential.
How to Contribute
It’s easy! Follow these simple steps:
Apply Now
Visit GeorgiaHEART.org and submit your 2026 Tax Credit Application. Georgia HEART will submit the form on your behalf to the Georgia Department of Revenue (DOR)
Make Payment
Payment Instructions for Georgia HEART Contributions to Morgan Medical Center:
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If approved by April 30, 2026: Payment is due within 180 days of approval.
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If approved between May 1 and September 30, 2026: Payment is due by October 31, 2026.
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If approved after September 30, 2026: Payment is due by December 31, 2026.
All payments must be made payable to Morgan Medical Center and directed to Georgia HEART.
Take Credit
Claim your 100% tax credit when you file your Georgia income tax return!
Georgia HEART is currently accepting applications for the 2026 tax year!
APPLY TODAY
Visit GeorgiaHEART.org and submit your 2026 Tax Credit Application. Georgia HEART will submit the form on your behalf to the Georgia Department of Revenue (DOR).
Need More Information?
For more information about the Georgia HEART rural hospital tax credit program, please visit GeorgiaHeart.org or contact Megan Morris, Executive Director of The Morgan Medical Center Foundation, at [email protected] or (706) 752-2237.
Explore Our Services
Reclaim Your Mobility, Close to Home
When severe joint pain or arthritis makes walking, bending, or simply getting out of a chair difficult, finding expert relief shouldn’t mean driving miles away from home.
At Morgan Medical Center, our Joint Replacement Program brings advanced robotic technology and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons directly to Madison and Morgan County. From total knee and hip replacements to thumb and hand joint replacements, you can get world-class surgical care, recovery, and physical therapy right here in your community.
Technology for Better Outcomes
We invest in state-of-the-art surgical technology so you can recover quicker and return to the activities you love without leaving Morgan County.
Mako SmartRobotics™ System (Knee & Hip Replacement)
Our team utilizes the Mako SmartRobotics™ System (or what we’ve named, K.R.S.R. for Knee Replacement Surgeon Robot) to elevate your surgical outcome:
- Personalized Surgical Plan: A pre-operative CT scan creates a detailed 3D model of your unique anatomy.
- Robotic-Arm Precision: Your orthopedic surgeon guides the robotic arm to remove diseased bone and cartilage while protecting healthy tissue.
- Faster Recovery: Robotic-assisted replacements generally result in less surgical trauma, reduced pain, shorter hospital stays, and quicker return to daily activity.
Mako SmartRobotics™ System (Knee & Hip Replacement)
Our team utilizes the Mako SmartRobotics™ System (or what we’ve named, K.R.S.R. for Knee Replacement Surgeon Robot) to elevate your surgical outcome:
- Personalized Surgical Plan: A pre-operative CT scan creates a detailed 3D model of your unique anatomy.
- Robotic-Arm Precision: Your orthopedic surgeon guides the robotic arm to remove diseased bone and cartilage while protecting healthy tissue.
- Faster Recovery: Robotic-assisted replacements generally result in less surgical trauma, reduced pain, shorter hospital stays, and quicker return to daily activity.
Advanced Cardiac Imaging
- Echocardiography
- Cardiac CT (coronary CTA)
- Cardiac MRI
- Nuclear cardiology
Device Therapy & Monitoring
- Pacemaker implantation
- Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implantation
- Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices
- In-office and remote pacemaker/CD monitoring
Board-Certified Cardiologist
John Layher, MD
Accepting new patients.
Dr. John Layher is a board-certified cardiologist providing comprehensive, patient-centered cardiac care to Morgan Medical Center and the communities we service. His approach to care emphasizes early detection, prevention, and individualized treatment plans to help patients achieve better heart health close to home.
Dr. Layher earned his medical degree from the Indiana University School of Medicine, completed his residency at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, and completed his cardiology fellowship at Indiana University School of Medicine. Most recently, Dr. Layher served as Vice President of Cardiac Services for St. Mary’s Medical Group and Oconee Heart and Vascular Center.
Certified Physician Assistant
Jennifer Bowers, PA-C
Accepting new patients.
Jennifer Bowers is a motivated and detail-oriented licensed physician assistant dedicated to advancing access to high-quality rural healthcare in Morgan County.
Jennifer earned her Master of Physician Assistant Studies from Augusta University and completed her Bachelor of Science in Biology, graduating summa cum laude, at The University of North Georgia. Most recently, Jennifer served as a physician assistant in Greensboro, bringing valuable clinical experience from St. Mary’s Medical Group and theOconee Heart and Vascular Center.
Certified Nurse Practitioner
Christina Ross, NP-C
Accepting new patients.
Christina Ross, NP-C is a compassionate cardiology nurse practitioner providing inpatient and outpatient cardiovascular care with a strong focus on improving access to high-quality cardiac services in rural Georgia.
Christina earned both her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Emory University’s Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing in Atlanta. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion from the University of Georgia. Most recently, Christina served as a nurse practitioner for Oconee Heart & Vascular Center in Greensboro, Georgia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Should See a Cardiologist?
You may benefit from seeing a cardiologist if you have symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, dizziness, high blood pressure, or a history of heart disease. Your primary care provider may also refer you for evaluation or ongoing heart care.
Do I Need A Referral?
Some insurance plans require a referral from your primary care provider, while others do not. If you're unsure, our team can help you determine your insurance requirements before scheduling your appointment.
What Services Does Your Cardiology Team Provide?
Our cardiology team provides specialized cardiovascular evaluation, advanced imaging, heart rhythm management, and ongoing cardiac care, including:
- Preventive cardiology and heart disease
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart failure diagnosis and treatment
- Valvular heart disease
- Cardiac arrhythmia
- Pacemaker implantation
- Device therapy, implantation, and monitoring
What Can I Expect During My First Appointment?
During your initial visit, your cardiologist will review your medical history, discuss your symptoms, perform a physical examination, and determine whether additional testing is needed. Together, you'll develop a personalized treatment plan focused on your heart health.
What Heart Tests Are Available?
Depending on your needs, we offer or coordinate a variety of diagnostic services, which may include:
- Echocardiography
- Nuclear Cardiology
- Coronary CT (Coronary CTA)
- Vascular Ultrasound
- Cardiac MRI
When Should I Seek Emergency Care Instead of Scheduling An Appointment?
If you are experiencing severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, fainting, sudden weakness, or other signs of a heart attack or stroke, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department immediately. Do not wait for a clinic appointment.
How Do I Schedule An Appointment?
To request an appointment, call our Outpatient Clinics at (706) 438-1275. Our staff will help schedule your visit and answer any questions about referrals, insurance, or what to bring to your appointment.
What Should I Bring to My Appointment?
Please bring:
- A photo ID
- Your insurance card
- A current list of medications
- Any recent cardiac test results, if available
- Referral paperwork, if required by your insurance
New Patients
Same-day appointments are available.
Address
1740 Lions Club Road
Suite 100
Madison, GA 30650
Hours
Monday–Friday
8:30 am – 5:00 pm