The so-called hospital “sick tax” was on life support Thursday when it reached the floor of the Georgia Senate. By the end of the day, after hours of debate, delays, backroom politics and hurt feelings, the Senate approved HB 307, which would impose a hospital tax to help fill a $600 million gap in Medicaid funding.  The 1.45 percent tax on patient revenue could raise about $170 million.  The bill, with three amendments attached, passed 31-15.  The key to the bill was a last-minute amendment that gives a tax cut to insurers on health insurance premiums when the state’s revenue shortfall reserve is funded at the level of $500 million. (read more at ajc.com)