“Health is a precondition for economic prosperity.” — Sir Michael Marmot
Hospitals are often discussed in relation to their impact on patients, but their influence extends much further. Beyond providing care, hospitals help communities attract employers, support local jobs and provide the services families need to live and work in Michigan.
Last week, the MHA released the 2026 Economic Impact of Healthcare in Michigan report which reinforces why healthcare remains one of the state’s most important community assets, supporting more than 1 million jobs and generating $115 billion in economic value each year.
While these numbers are significant, they represent something much larger than economic activity alone. They reflect the unique role hospitals play as place-based institutions. Rooted in the communities they serve, hospitals have a vested interest in their long-term success. Families depend on them for access to care, employers rely on them to support a healthy workforce and communities benefit from the jobs, economic activity and stability they help create.
Healthcare generates $51.4 billion annually in direct wages and salaries in Michigan, surpassing other major industries, including education and automotive manufacturing. Those jobs represent opportunities for Michiganders to build meaningful careers while serving their communities, and they create economic activity that supports local businesses throughout the state.
Each year, in conjunction with our economic impact report, we survey our members to better understand one of the most pressing challenges facing hospitals today: workforce shortages. Michigan hospitals hired approximately 58,000 employees in 2025 and continue to outperform national nurse retention rates. Yet hospitals still reported roughly 23,000 open positions statewide, including approximately 4,700 registered nurse vacancies.
Every open nursing position, respiratory therapist vacancy or unfilled technician role represents capacity that hospitals need to meet growing patient demand. As Michigan’s population ages and healthcare needs become increasingly complex, maintaining a strong workforce will remain essential to ensuring communities have access to the care they depend on.
Hospitals are responding by investing in recruitment, retention and workforce development initiatives. Across the state, hospitals are partnering with colleges, universities and community organizations to strengthen the pipeline of future caregivers. The MHA’s MI Hospital Careers campaign is one example of the efforts underway to encourage more individuals to pursue careers in healthcare.
The findings in this year’s report serve as an important reminder that investments in healthcare are investments in communities. As policymakers consider decisions that will shape Michigan’s future, they should recognize that access to high-quality healthcare is essential to both community well-being and long-term prosperity. A strong healthcare system remains one of Michigan’s most valuable assets.
If you haven’t already, I encourage you to engage with the interactive report and explore healthcare’s impact by region, county and congressional district at economicimpact.org.
As always, I welcome your thoughts.
Phone: (517) 703-8601
Fax: (517) 703-0628
