Hospitals pump $18bn into New Jersey economy
9 January 2009
Hospitals in New Jersey hospitals are a key economic engine for the US state, providing more than 113,000 full-time jobs, $7 billion in employee salaries and more than $18 billion in total spending, according to the New Jersey Hospitals 2008 Economic Impact Report.
The report is another sign that the healthcare sector is one of the most resilient in times of worldwide recession.
Hospitals have long been known for their societal contributions, including $1.3 billion in annual charity care services. But the new report from the New Jersey Hospital Association details the many economic contributions of New Jersey's hospitals and their employees. Those contributions are critical in a sagging economy.
"Hospitals are dependable sources of jobs, income taxes and spending through good times and bad," said NJHA President and CEO Betsy Ryan. "Even in a recession, individuals continue to depend on their community hospitals — perhaps even more so as rising unemployment claims more individuals' health insurance."
The report's findings are based on 2007 hospital cost reports filed with the State of New Jersey. The report shows that New Jersey's acute care hospitals delivered:
- US$18 billion in total expenditures;
- US$2.2 billion in purchased services;
- More than 113,000 full-time jobs and total employment of 145,000 full — and part-time positions;
- More than US$7 billion in total employee salaries;
- Nearly US$400 million in state income taxes paid by hospital employees;
- More than US$72 million in state taxes and fees to support various health programs.
The report examines both hospitals' statewide contributions, as well as the economic contributions of individual hospitals to their local communities. A third analysis examines the data for New Jersey's 21 counties.
"This data paints a compelling picture of the compassionate care and economic stability delivered by New Jersey's hospital community," said Sean Hopkins, NJHA's senior vice president of health economics.
New Jersey is home to 74 acute care hospitals, but those numbers are dwindling. Eight New Jersey hospitals have closed in the last two years, and half of the remaining hospitals are losing money.
To view the report, log on to the NJHA Web site at www.njha.com/press/Reports.aspx and click on New Jersey Hospitals 2008 Economic Impact Report.
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