Many countries offer universal healthcare. While the U.S. is not one of them, public healthcare is available. However, insurance options differ from state to state. Read below to see which states offer the best healthcare coverage!
1. Massachusetts
Out of all the states on our list, the Bay State has the lowest percentage of residents without insurance, meaning healthcare access in Massachusetts is top tier. Massachusetts also has one of the lowest infant mortality rates in the country.
2. Hawaii
Hawaii isn’t just an excellent destination for a tropical vacation. Most Hawaiians are insured thanks to the state’s Prepaid Health Care Act, which results in better patient healthcare outcomes.
3. New Hampshire
New Hampshire is unique because it ranks high on our list due to its notable high overall health ranking for its residents. New Hampshire’s residents enjoy low heart disease, low obesity, low stroke rates, and low smoking rates compared to other states in the U.S.
4. Rhode Island
Since Rhode Island has the highest number of primary care physicians, there is no question why they’ve earned a spot on this list. Rhode Island also offers primary care providers in remote areas and areas with doctor shortages, which is one of the most significant healthcare challenges states typically face.
5. Vermont
Vermont isn’t just a great state to visit during the beautiful fall months. It’s also a great place to have a baby! Vermont has the lowest infant mortality rate in the country. On top of that, Vermont boasts the lowest flu and pneumonia mortality rates, so if your baby gets sick, they’ll be in good hands here.
6. Connecticut
According to Forbes, Connecticut is ranked second best overall in healthcare access. With the country’s highest number of physician assistants, more patients can have their needs addressed without having to schedule an appointment with a doctor of osteopathic medicine or medical doctor, which can take months, depending on availability.
7. Washington
Washington state has slightly higher healthcare costs than other U.S. states. However, Washington has a very high life expectancy, which could be connected to their low rates of heart disease, one of the leading causes of death in the U.S.
8. Maryland
Maryland checks a lot of important boxes when it comes to healthcare rankings. Not only do Maryland’s residents have easy access to healthcare services, but they can expect to receive top-notch service there. Maryland is ranked No. 1 in the nation for the quality of hospitals.
9. New York
Like Massachusetts, New York’s large major cities offer residents access to massive networks of hospitals and other healthcare institutions. As a result, patients in this state have access to some of the best doctors and the newest, most cutting-edge technology that medicine can offer.
10. Pennsylvania
Going to the emergency room is a last resort for most American citizens. Pennsylvania has been incredibly successful in using the emergency room as a last resort, performing best in the country for reducing hospital mortality rates, emergency room visits, and preventable hospitalizations. Not only does Pennsylvania have a low infant mortality rate, but it boasts an incredibly low maternal mortality rate as well.
11. District of Columbia
While it is not technically a state, the District of Columbia is within the continental United States and is home to our nation’s capital. Washington, D.C. is a national center for outstanding patient care and medical research initiatives. With its vast network of research and teaching hospitals, D.C. is at the forefront of cutting-edge medical research. Our nation’s capital also has a low obesity rate, an increasingly growing problem across the U.S.
12. Minnesota
Like some other states on this list, Minnesota has one of the country’s lowest rates of uninsured residents. If you’re having a medical emergency, Minnesota is one of the best states you could be in because of its outstanding hospital care. The North Star State hosts the third-highest number of critical care nurses in the U.S., so you will surely be in good hands.
13. Oregon
Oregon ranks high in important categories like healthcare services provided and offers free coverage for its citizens through the Oregon Health Plan (OHP), ensuring all citizens can access healthcare. The OHP covers everything from doctor visits to dental services and mental healthcare. It’s no question why Oregon’s residents are some of the healthiest in the country.
14. California
Like Massachusetts and New York, California ranks high on the list of states with the best healthcare because of the widely available healthcare options. California has a massive network of hospitals and healthcare systems stretching across the state. California also offers free public healthcare, ensuring all its citizens can receive treatment at any California healthcare institution.
Access Is Everything
Most states on this list have broad networks of hospitals and other healthcare institutions, ensuring patients can easily access healthcare anywhere within their state’s lines. If you live in a state that combines healthcare access with health insurance access, you and your fellow citizens are healthier and have better healthcare outcomes than those in other states.