May 2, 2011 |

Nursing Facilities Have $127.8 Billion Impact in 50 Most Populous Metro Areas

A new Avalere Health LLC analysis detailing the economic and jobs output of nursing facilities in the nation’s 50 most populous Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) shows the industry is the nation’s second largest health facility employer, after only hospitals, and contributes $127.8 billion in economic output in these areas. Nursing home wages in the 50 reported MSAs account for $25 billion.

“As the year progresses, we will continue to raise awareness of the fact America’s nursing facilities are a vital pillar to local jobs and economic strength, that Medicare funding is critical to maintaining facilities’ economic stability, and that increasing numbers of patients are returning home after successful rehabilitation,” said Alan G. Rosenbloom, president of The Alliance for Quality Nursing Home Care, which promoted the Avalere Health study. “Localizing the significance of nursing facilities to the jobs base throughout rural, suburban and urban America will be a central component of our educational effort, in addition to detailing the fact continued improvements in patient care quality are directly related to Medicare and Medicaid funding.”

Rosenbloom noted in a release that nursing facilities—through both regulatory and budgetary actions—have absorbed nearly $30 billion in Medicare cuts over 10 years.

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