The health and care sectors will require more staff in the future, which means public spending will increase. However, these expenses should not be viewed only as a financial burden. As the sectors expand, they also generate important economic and social benefits. Therefore, when evaluating costs in health and care, their positive impact on society and the economy must also be considered.

Public debates often focus mainly on the costs of expanding health and care services, but this perspective is incomplete. What appears as a cost for the public sector also creates benefits, such as tax revenues and higher employee incomes. Increased incomes lead to greater demand in the economy, which generates further indirect economic benefits. In addition, the health and care sector provides stable, non-cyclical jobs that strengthen the overall economy. A study commissioned by the Upper Austrian Chamber of Labour shows that although spending for health and care services will rise, the overall benefits are expected to outweigh the costs.