Jan. 9, 2026: Statement of Cathy Bennett, NJHA President and CEO, on the State’s Release of HART Benchmark Data on Healthcare Costs

New Jersey hospitals are committed to high-quality, affordable care for every New Jerseyan. The New Jersey Hospital Association (NJHA), together with our members, have been active partners in the state's healthcare affordability work. The HART reports released today show that New Jersey is experiencing inflation-driven cost growth while continuing to deliver high-quality care and performing better than many peer states. The findings reinforce the need for a measured, systemwide approach to healthcare affordability.

New Jersey's 6.1% growth in healthcare spending in 2023 is lower than most other states that are benchmarking healthcare costs. It's also identical to the increase in New Jersey's Consumer Price Index in 2022, which is a key indicator of rising inflation.

New Jersey hospitals exist in one of the highest cost-of-living states in the country and employ excellent, experienced staff that deliver high-quality care. In fact, New Jersey hospitals were once again ranked 3^rd best in the nation for patient safety in 2025, according to the nationally recognized LeapFrog group, which benchmarks state-by-state hospital quality of care at a national level.

Healthcare is a complicated ecosphere. Hospitals represent only about 40% of healthcare costs, yet they are the sole focus of this exercise. That narrow view penalizes hospitals for system-wide cost pressures beyond their control, including soaring drug prices, insurance red tape, inflation, workforce shortages and caring for an older, sicker population. Ignoring these cost drivers undermines the entire affordability effort.

NJHA and our hospitals remain committed to an affordability process that works. New Jerseyans deserve accurate data, shared accountability and a comprehensive approach to cost drivers - because patients and families cannot afford for us to get this wrong.