A faltering health care sector has implications beyond patient care. Eventually, it will impact state and local economies. National studies of business relocation decisions have found that the quality of the health care system is a major factor businesses consider when studying relocation options.

The health care sector contributes to the economic well-being of the state, not only by keeping the workforce healthy, but also by employing residents and paying wages. In 1998, there were more than 207,000 people employed in the state’s health sector — eight percent of the state’s total workforce. In 1999, health services jobs in Washington state provided about $5.87 billion in wages. In comparison, the agriculture, forestry, and fishing industries together contribute $1.54 billion in wages annually. In rural areas of the state, the hospital is usually one of the largest employers. And even though almost all of Washington’s hospitals are not-for-profit, they contribute millions of dollars in taxes, licensing fees, charity care, and other free community health services.

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Community Benefits