Economic Contribution of Hospitals
Hospital care is the largest component of the health sector, which itself is a growing segment of the U.S. economy. In 2006, this sector represented about 16 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) – a measure of economic output – or approximately $2.1 trillion.
The role hospitals play in providing health care is widely understood, but fewer are aware of the important role of hospitals in the U.S. economy. Nationwide, hospitals employ nearly 5 million people. Hospitals rank second as a source of private sector jobs.