Michigan hospitals and employers want the same thing: affordable, high-quality care that keeps Michigan competitive. In the latest episode of the MiCare Champion Cast, MHA CEO Brian Peters explores this more with Jim Holcomb, CEO of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce.

MHA CEO Brian Peters and Jim Holcomb, CEO of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce.

As a lawyer and former legislative staffer, Holcomb now leads efforts to help protect and strengthen Michigan businesses while advancing policies that foster a strong economy, vibrant communities and opportunity for Michiganders.

“Businesses across the state are looking to be the best employers they can be,” said Holcomb. “They want to help their employees succeed, they want to give them a good life and help them raise families. Healthcare costs and talent retention are the two number one issues I hear daily.”

The episode follows the release of the MHA 2026 Economic Impact of Healthcare in Michigan report and hospital workforce survey, underscoring the critical role hospitals play not only as healthcare providers, but also employers and taxpayers.

Key findings from the report and survey include:

• Healthcare generated $115 billion in economic value, supporting more than one million jobs and contributing $25.1 billion annually in tax revenue in fiscal year (FY) 2024.
• Hospitals alone provide more than 222,000 direct jobs and $11.3 billion a year in tax revenue, representing 45% of healthcare’s direct tax revenue and remaining the largest healthcare sector in the state (FY 2024).
• Healthcare leads other major Michigan industries in direct wages and salaries, generating $51.4 billion annually compared to $28.1 billion for education and $19.4 billion for automotive manufacturing (FY 2024).
• Though demand for healthcare professionals remains high, Michigan hospitals hired approximately 58,000 workers in 2025 and employ roughly 222,000 full- and part-time workers statewide, including nearly 67,000 registered nurses (FY 2024).

Both Holcomb and Peters participated in a healthcare affordability roundtable in March that examined the complex factors driving healthcare costs and its impact on both patients and employers. During the event, participants emphasized that meaningful change will require coordination across the healthcare system, including providers, insurers, businesses and policymakers.

“That’s the first thing leaders need to do — learn more by listening,” said Holcomb. “React to someone’s perspective, deal with it transparently, with facts and data in finding solutions.”

Over the course of the podcast, Peters and Holcomb also discuss liability, the Michigan Alliance for Legal Reform, workplace wellness, artificial intelligence and more.

“My call to action to everyone is lean in, engage and be productive,” said Holcomb. “Operate with a high level of integrity and let’s see what we can do together.”

The episode is available to stream on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, SoundCloud and YouTube. Questions or idea submissions for future MiCare Champion Cast episodes can be sent to Lucy Ciaramitaro at the MHA. Those interested in learning more about the 2026 Economic Impact of Healthcare in Michigan report are encouraged to visit economicimpact.org.

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