Forbes Advisor Accessing affordable, high-quality healthcare is a challenge for Americans nationwide.
In fact, nearly one third of Americans lack access to primary care and more than one third of Americans (38%) say they or a family member postponed medical treatment in 2022 due to cost, according to recent reports from the National Association of Community Health Centers and Gallup.
In some states, accessing healthcare may be easier for residents due to lower costs, higher rates of health insurance coverage, an abundance of healthcare providers and access to timely and effective care.
With National Healthcare Quality Week in full swing (October 15 to 21), Forbes Advisor compared all 50 states across 24 metrics to uncover the best states for healthcare.
We found that Vermont ranks fifth among the best states for healthcare.
Top 5 Best States for Healthcare:
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Minnesota: Just 24% of Minnesota patients reported that hospital staff “sometimes” or “never” discussed possible side effects of new medication, the third lowest amount. Minnesota also boasts the third highest number of critical care nurses and certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), with 5.53 per 10,000 adults.
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Massachusetts: The Bay State has the lowest percentage of residents who lack health insurance coverage (2.50%) and the highest number of specialist physicians (32.13 per 10,000 state residents).
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Rhode Island: The Ocean State has the highest number of primary care physicians (25.89 per 10,000 state residents) and the highest percentage of need met in primary care provider shortage areas (72.13%).
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Connecticut: The Constitution State has the highest number of physician assistants (7.26 per 10,000 state residents) and the lowest diabetes mortality rate (16.33 deaths per 100,000 state residents).
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Vermont: The Green Mountain State ranked best in the nation for several outcome-related metrics including infant mortality rate, influenza and pneumonia mortality rate and kidney disease mortality rate.
Key Takeaways
- Georgia tops the list of worst states for healthcare, while Minnesota is the state with the best healthcare.
- Seven of the top 10 worst states for healthcare are in the South, including Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, Mississippi, South Carolina, Arkansas and Texas.
- Seven of the top 10 best states for healthcare are in the northeast, including Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine and Pennsylvania.
- North Carolina is the worst state for healthcare costs, Utah is the worst state for healthcare access, New Mexico has the worst quality of hospital care and Mississippi is the worst state for healthcare outcomes.
Find the full report, including the methodology and infographics, here.
Top 5 Worst States for Healthcare
1. Georgia
Georgia’s score: 100 out of 100
The Peach State ranked third worst in our category examining healthcare cost due, in part, to the state having the second highest percentage of residents who chose not to see a doctor at some point in the past 12 months due to cost (15.50%).
Georgia also stands out as the state with the:
- Third highest percentage of residents who lack health insurance coverage (12.63%).
- Fifth highest kidney disease mortality rate (18.87 deaths per 100,000 state residents).
- Eighth highest stroke mortality rate (44.27 deaths per 100,000 state residents).
- Eighth highest average deductible for residents with single health insurance coverage through an employer ($2,269 annually).
2. Alabama
Alabama’s score: 87.03 out of 100
Alabama employers cover the lowest percentage of employees’ annual health insurance premiums on average (73.42% for employees with single coverage).
Alabama also ranked fourth worst in our category assessing healthcare outcomes.
Alabama stands out as the state with the:
- Second highest rate of both stroke deaths (53.63 per 100,000 state residents) and influenza and pneumonia deaths (17.03 per 100,000 state residents).
- Fourth highest infant mortality rate (7.42 deaths per 1,000 live births).
- Seventh highest chronic lower respiratory disease mortality rate (53.13 deaths per 100,000 state residents).
Additionally, The Yellowhammer State has the third lowest number of physician assistants (1.36 per 10,000 state residents) and the eighth lowest number of primary care physicians (12.22 per 10,000 state residents).
3. North Carolina
North Carolina’s score: 85.95 out of 100
North Carolina tops the list of worst states for healthcare costs.
North Carolinians with single health insurance coverage through an employer pay the eighth highest premium nationwide ($1,847 annually).
North Carolina employers cover the eighth lowest percentage of employees’ annual health insurance premiums on average (76.18% for employees with single coverage).
North Carolina also stands out as the state with the:
- Fifth lowest number of nurse practitioners (4.28 per 10,000 state residents).
- Eighth highest infant mortality rate (6.76 deaths per 1,000 live births).
- Ninth highest rate of both stroke deaths (44.13 per 100,000 state residents), and influenza and pneumonia deaths (13.40 per 100,000 state residents).
4. Mississippi
Mississippi’s score: 84.70 out of 100
Mississippi tops the list of states with the worst healthcare outcomes.
The Magnolia State ranked worst in the nation for several outcome-related metrics, including:
- Infant mortality rate (8.74 deaths per 1,000 live births).
- Stroke mortality rate (54.80 deaths per 100,000 state residents).
- Influenza and pneumonia mortality rate (22.57 deaths per 100,000 state residents).
- Kidney disease mortality rate (21.80 deaths per 100,000 state residents).
Mississippi also ranked second worst for diabetes mortality rate (38.53 deaths per 100,000 state residents) and fifth worst for chronic lower respiratory disease mortality rate (58.40 deaths per 100,000 state residents).
Additionally, Mississippi stands out as the state with the:
- Lowest number of physician assistants (0.40 per 10,00 state residents).
- Second lowest number of critical care physicians (0.29 per 10,000 adults, tied with Arkansas).
- Third highest percentage of hospital patients who did not receive written information about possible symptoms to look out for after discharge (15%).
- Fifth highest percentage of residents who chose not to see a doctor in the past 12 months due to cost (13.10%).
5. South Carolina
South Carolina’s score: 83.50 out of 100
With the second lowest number of nurse practitioners (3.48 per 10,000 state residents) and the fifth lowest number of physician assistants (1.61 per 10,000 state residents), South Carolina ranks fifth among the worst states for healthcare.
The Palmetto State tied with Utah as the seventh worst state for healthcare costs due, in part, to the state having the seventh highest percentage of residents who chose not to see a doctor at some point in the past 12 months due to cost (11.70%, tied with Arkansas).
Additionally, South Carolina stands out as the state with the fifth highest infant mortality rate (6.93 deaths per 1,000 live births) and the seventh highest stroke mortality rate (44.67 deaths per 100,000 state residents).
Top 5 Best States for Healthcare
1. Minnesota
Minnesota’s score: 0 out of 100
The North Star State ranked second best in our category assessing healthcare outcomes due, in part, to the state having the fourth lowest rate of both influenza and pneumonia deaths (7.03 per 100,000 state residents) and kidney disease deaths (7.37 per 100,000 state residents).
Minnesota also ranked sixth best in our category assessing quality of hospital care. Just 24% of Minnesota patients reported that hospital staff “sometimes” or “never” discussed possible side effects of new medication, the third lowest amount, tied with Kansas.
Additionally, Minnesota stands out as the state with the:
- Third highest number of critical care nurses and certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), with 5.53 per 10,000 adults.
- Fourth lowest percentage of residents who chose not to see a doctor at some point in the past 12 months due to cost (6.60%, tied with North Dakota).
- Fifth lowest percentage of residents who lack health insurance coverage (4.46%).
2. Massachusetts
Massachusetts’ score: 2.26 out of 100
Massachusetts ranked third best in our category assessing healthcare access.
The Bay State boasts the:
- Lowest percentage of residents who lack health insurance coverage (2.50%).
- Highest number of specialist physicians (32.13 per 10,000 state residents).
- Second highest number of primary care physicians (23.34 per 10,000 state residents).
- Second highest number of nurse practitioners (14.59 per 10,000 state residents).
- Second highest number of critical care physicians (1.01 per 10,000 adults).
Massachusetts also ranked seventh best in our category assessing healthcare outcomes.
Massachusetts ranked second best for several outcome-related metrics, including:
- Infant mortality rate (3.63 deaths per 1,000 live births).
- Diabetes mortality rate (16.60 deaths per 100,000 state residents).
- Stroke mortality rate (25.57 deaths per 100,000 state residents).
3. Rhode Island
Rhode Island’s score: 4.45 out of 100
Rhode Island tops the list of best states for healthcare access.
The Ocean State boasts the:
- Highest number of primary care physicians (25.89 per 10,000 state residents).
- Highest percentage of need met in primary care provider shortage areas (72.13%).
- Third highest number of specialist physicians (26.85 per 10,000 state residents).
- Fourth lowest percentage of residents who lack health insurance coverage (4.34%).
- Fourth highest number of critical care physicians (0.91 per 10,000 adults, tied with New Hampshire).
- Fifth highest number of physician assistants (6.02 per 10,000 state residents).
Rhode Island also ranked fifth best in our category assessing healthcare outcomes.
Rhode Island stands out as the state with the:
- Third lowest stroke mortality rate (27.47 deaths per 100,000 state residents).
- Eighth lowest chronic lower respiratory disease mortality rate (30.03 deaths per 100,000 state residents).
- Ninth lowest diabetes mortality rate (20.33 deaths per 100,000 state residents).
4. Connecticut
Connecticut’s score: 5.09 out of 100
Connecticut ranked second best in our category assessing healthcare access.
The Constitution State boasts the:
- Highest number of physician assistants (7.26 per 10,000 state residents).
- Third highest number of critical care physicians (0.98 per 10,000 adults).
- Fourth highest number of primary care physicians (20.91 per 10,000 state residents).
- Fourth highest number of specialist physicians (25.43 per 10,000 state residents).
- Fifth highest number of nurse practitioners (13.50 per 10,000 state residents).
Connecticut also ranked third best in our category assessing healthcare outcomes.
Connecticut stands out as the state with the:
- Lowest diabetes mortality rate (16.33 deaths per 100,000 state residents).
- Fourth lowest chronic lower respiratory disease mortality rate (25.33 deaths per 100,000 state residents.)
- Fourth lowest stroke mortality rate (28.20 deaths per 100,000 state residents).
5. Vermont
Vermont ‘s score: 10.72 out of 100
Vermont tops the list of states with the best healthcare outcomes.
The Green Mountain State boasts the:
- Lowest infant mortality rate (3.15 deaths per 1,000 live births).
- Lowest influenza and pneumonia mortality rate (5.50 deaths per 100,000 state residents).
- Lowest kidney disease mortality rate (3.57 deaths per 100,000 state residents).
- Fourth lowest diabetes mortality rate (16.97 deaths per 100,000 state residents).
- Sixth lowest stroke mortality rate (29.97 deaths per 100,000 state residents).
Vermont also ranked sixth best in our category assessing healthcare access.
Vermont has the second lowest percentage of residents who lack health insurance coverage (3.66%) and the second highest number of community health centers (1.70 per 100,000 state residents).
Additionally, Vermont has the third lowest percentage of residents who chose not to see a doctor at some point in the past 12 months due to cost (6.20%).
How Health Insurance Increases Healthcare Access
Health insurance plays a pivotal role in ensuring that people have access to quality healthcare in the United States. It serves as a financial safety net, providing coverage for medical expenses that would otherwise be burdensome or unaffordable.
If you don’t have health insurance, you can wind up owing a shocking amount of money.
But health insurance can be complex, so you may be wondering, exactly what is health insurance and how can it help me get better healthcare?
Financial Protection
Health insurance offers crucial financial protection by covering a significant portion of your medical expenses. Health insurance typically covers doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries and prescription medications among other things.
Getting health insurance allows individuals to seek timely medical attention without worrying about crippling medical bills because it mitigates the financial barrier to healthcare.
Review your health insurance policy to understand your coverage and copayment responsibilities. Be aware of in-network providers so that you can hold down your out-of-pocket costs.
You should also review your health insurance deductible and coinsurance, so you’ll understand what out-of-pocket costs you may incur when you need care.
Preventive Care
Health insurance also includes coverage for preventive services, such as vaccinations, screenings and wellness check-ups. These services are essential in identifying and addressing health issues at an early stage, promoting better health outcomes and reducing the need for costly treatments.
Schedule regular preventive care appointments and screenings recommended by your healthcare provider to catch potential health concerns early. That can also help you maintain affordable health insurance, since preventive care can reduce future healthcare costs.
Access to Specialist Care
Health insurance plans provide access to a network of specialists and healthcare professionals. This means you can consult with experts in various medical fields without worrying about exorbitant out-of-pocket expenses. Specialists can offer advanced treatments and personalized care for complex health conditions.
If you require specialized care, you can ask your primary care physician for referrals to in-network specialists in order to minimize your healthcare costs. Health plans differ as to whether you need a referral or not. For instance, a preferred provider organization (PPO) plan doesn’t demand a referral, while a health maintenance organization (HMO) plan generally does.
Emergency Care
In the event of a medical emergency, health insurance ensures that you can receive prompt and necessary care without the fear of financial ruin. Emergency room visits, ambulance services and urgent care facilities are typically covered by health insurance, ensuring you get the help you need during critical situations.
You should only use emergency care when you need it. Health insurance companies want to limit the amount of basic care done in emergency rooms, so they charge much higher copays for emergency care. If you need basic care, it’s wise to go to your primary care provider or an urgent care center, which will have lower copays than an emergency room.
Familiarize yourself with the nearest in-network emergency facilities, and keep your health insurance information readily available in case of an emergency.
Mental Health Services
Mental health is an integral part of overall well-being. Health insurance plans typically include mental health insurance for services such as therapy and counseling. Access to mental healthcare can improve the quality of life for individuals dealing with emotional and psychological challenges.
If you or a loved one requires mental health support, explore the mental health services covered by your insurance plan and seek professional help when needed.
Prescription Drug Coverage
Health insurance often includes coverage for prescription medications, making essential drugs more affordable and accessible. This can significantly reduce the financial burden for individuals with chronic conditions or those in need of expensive medications. These benefits can help you whether you live in a state with the cheapest healthcare costs or not.
Review your health insurance's prescription drug formulary to understand which medications are covered and at what cost. Ask your doctor about cost-effective alternatives when available.
When getting health insurance quotes, you’ll find that all of these types of benefits are typically part of a standard health plan.
Source: 10.18.2023. Forbes Advisor