OBJECTIVES: A recent study estimated that treatment for AIDS saved 2.8 million life-years (Walensky, JID, June 2006). This study attempts to estimate the economic impact of those life-years saved on the U.S. economy. METHODS: Beginning with 1987, the number of life-years saved per patient was multiplied by the real per capita GDP in the U.S. (base year 2000) to determine the real per capita GDP saved. These figures were then summed for patients initiating therapy through 2003 to determine the total GDP per capita saved. This sum was also multiplied by the number of patients receiving treatment to determine the total GDP saved throughout the period. The impact on the per capita GDP for the total U.S. population was calculated by subtracting the GDP saved from the total GDP each year and then dividing by the total U.S. population. GDP in out-years is estimated by the average increase in real GDP from 1987 to 2003. RESULTS: For patients initiating therapy from 1987 to 2003, the total GDP saved is $100.8 billion through 2015, or $166,000 GDP per capita receiving treatment. The GDP saved ranged from $289 million in 1991 to $7.6 billion in 2003. The impact on per capita GDP for the entire U.S. population ranged from less than $0.81 saved in 1991 to nearly $26.55 in 2003. CONCLUSION: The impact of AIDS drug treatment on the U.S. economy is significant and should be considered during analysis of the costs and benefits of AIDS treatment in U.S. Further analysis is needed to assess similar impact of AIDS treatment in other countries.