Stephanie Strickland
Executive Director, Communications
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New NCHA Report Highlights the Economic Impact of North Carolina’s Hospitals
North Carolina’s health systems and hospitals are the backbone of both our healthcare delivery system and our state’s economy — serving as economic engines in communities across the state.
To underscore the essential role they play, the North Carolina Healthcare Association (NCHA) commissioned a new study examining 133 hospitals across North Carolina and their far-reaching economic and community impact.
“This report demonstrates that NCHA member hospitals and health systems are not only critical to delivering care — they are fundamental to North Carolina’s economic strength and stability,” said Josh Dobson, NCHA President and CEO. “But just as importantly, it is a reminder of why it is essential to support hospitals so they can continue meeting the needs of their communities.”
NCHA engaged RTI International (RTI) to provide a quantitative assessment of economic impacts for North Carolina as a whole and five subregions. RTI used IMPLAN, an input output model, to conduct the analysis and compiled data on employment and payroll, operating expenditures, and capital expenditures from the 2021–2024 CMS Healthcare Cost Report Information System (HCRIS).
The report, The Economic Impact of North Carolina’s Hospitals, estimates the economic impacts and social contributions of health systems and hospitals across North Carolina to inform public understanding as policymakers consider decisions that shape the future of health care in the state.
A few key findings from the report include that hospitals:
- Spent approximately $44 billion on staff and operating expenses, and generated $52 billion in economic impact.
- Created 224,000 jobs in North Carolina, and they were among the 10 largest employers in 95 of North Carolina’s 100 counties and a top 3 employer in 49 counties (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024).
- Provided more than $8.24 billion in community benefits, which included charity care, losses from Medicare and Medicaid, graduate medical education, donations, and services (HCRIS 2021–2024).
- Paid $2.8 billion in state and local taxes to sustain crucial public services such as K–12 education, law enforcement, and social services.
Ensuring hospitals can continue this work will require thoughtful policies that support their ability to provide care, invest in their workforce, and remain strong in the communities they serve.
“In a state as diverse and rapidly growing as North Carolina — from rural communities to fast-growing regions like the Triangle and southern Piedmont — hospitals play a vital role in keeping our state a place where people can live, work, start a business, and raise a family,” Dobson added. “Sustaining that role must be a shared priority.”
The full report along with regional summary data can be found at: https://www.ncha.org/economic-impact/.
About NCHA
Founded in 1918, North Carolina Healthcare Association (NCHA) is the united voice of the North Carolina healthcare community. Representing more than 150 hospitals, health systems, physician groups and other healthcare organizations, NCHA works with our members to improve the health of North Carolina communities by advocating for sound public policies and collaborative partnerships and by providing insights, services, support and education to expand access to high quality, efficient, affordable and integrated health care for all North Carolinians.
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