U.S. Health Workforce Gap Could Swell to Over 2 Million by 2040

Covista’s latest forecast warns that the U.S. health workforce may be short by more than 2 million employees by 2040, a deficit that could cost average households up to $1,250 each year. The shortage is expected to hit rural and underserved communities hardest, reducing access to essential services and lowering overall care quality. Michael Betz of Covista says the gap is not inevitable if educators, policymakers and health leaders coordinate solutions.

Michael Dill of the Association of American Medical Colleges notes that physician numbers are not keeping pace with a growing, aging population, leading to longer wait times and heightened burnout. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services also highlight a looming nurse deficit, which would further strain hospital and long-term care delivery.