Here Are the Worst States in the U.S. for Healthcare

Among many other superlatives, the United States claims the most expensive healthcare system in the country. Though the whole country is lumped together in that honor, the reality is that healthcare quality and access can vary greatly depending on where in the country you are. 

A new study conducted by Forbes attempts to break down the intricacies of healthcare in all 50 states by examining 24 metrics across four key categories: healthcare access, healthcare outcomes, healthcare cost, and quality of hospital care. 

Georgia takes the title of the worst state for healthcare in the country. Interestingly enough, seven of the top 10 worst states for healthcare are in the South: Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, Mississippi, South Carolina, Arkansas, and Texas. North Carolina ranks as the worst state for healthcare costs, Utahns struggle the hardest in getting healthcare access, New Mexico has the worst quality of hospital care in the country, and Mississippi is the worst state for positive healthcare outcomes.

As for the best state in the country for healthcare, that honor goes to Minnesota. It’s an outlier in the region, as even of the 10 best states for healthcare are in the northeast: Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and Pennsylvania. 

If you find yourself in one of the 10 worst states in the country for healthcare, try to find a doctor and a hospital that can best serve you in times of need. 

1. Georgia
2. Alabama
3. North Carolina
4. Mississippi
5. South Carolina
6. Arkansas
7. New Mexico
8. Texas
9. Nevada
10. Indiana

All of the 10 best states for healthcare lie north of the Mason-Dixon line. If you’re looking for quality care or other important factors, you might want to consider one of these states. 

1. Minnesota
2. Massachusetts
3. Rhode Island
4. Connecticut
5. Vermont
6. New Hampshire
7. Michigan
8. Oregon
9. Maine
10. Pennsylvania