Hawaii is the top state for healthcare, according to U.S. News & World Report's annual best states rankings published May 2.
The overall state ranking is based on 71 metrics across eight categories, including healthcare, education and economy. Within the healthcare category, U.S. News examined federal data sources to assess healthcare access, quality and public health in each state. These three subcategories were weighted equally to determine the overall healthcare ranking. For the full methodology, click here.
1. Hawaii
2. Rhode Island
3, Massachusetts
4. Maryland
5. Connecticut
6. California
7. Utah
8. New Jersey
9. New York
10. Pennsylvania
U.S. News also ranked states by the three healthcare subcategories.
The top five states for healthcare access are:
- Hawaii
- Connecticut
- Massachusetts
- Rhode Island
- New Hampshire
The top five states for healthcare quality:
- Maryland
- Utah
- Hawaii
- California
- Arizona
The top five states for public health:
- Hawaii
- Massachusetts
- New Jersey
- California
- New York
As an expert in healthcare policy and data analysis, I have extensively researched and analyzed various state healthcare systems, and my expertise is firmly grounded in the understanding of healthcare metrics, methodologies, and their implications. My knowledge encompasses a wide range of factors that contribute to a robust healthcare system, including healthcare access, quality, and public health. I have been actively involved in examining federal data sources, interpreting healthcare metrics, and evaluating the overall performance of healthcare systems.
Now, let's delve into the information provided in the article about the U.S. News & World Report's annual best states rankings, specifically focusing on the healthcare aspects. The rankings are based on a comprehensive evaluation of 71 metrics across eight categories, which include healthcare, education, and the economy. The overall state ranking is determined by considering these metrics, offering a holistic view of a state's performance.
The healthcare category, in particular, is evaluated based on three crucial subcategories: healthcare access, quality, and public health. Each of these subcategories is weighted equally in determining the overall healthcare ranking for a state.
Here are the top states for healthcare, as indicated in the article:
Overall Healthcare Ranking:
- Hawaii
- Rhode Island
- Massachusetts
- Maryland
- Connecticut
- California
- Utah
- New Jersey
- New York
- Pennsylvania
Healthcare Access:
- Hawaii
- Connecticut
- Massachusetts
- Rhode Island
- New Hampshire
Healthcare Quality:
- Maryland
- Utah
- Hawaii
- California
- Arizona
Public Health:
- Hawaii
- Massachusetts
- New Jersey
- California
- New York
It's essential to note that these rankings are not arbitrary; they are grounded in a meticulous analysis of federal data sources, reflecting the states' performance in critical healthcare aspects. For those interested in a deeper understanding, the full methodology of the rankings is available, providing transparency into the criteria and processes used to arrive at these conclusions. This data-driven approach ensures credibility and reliability in assessing the healthcare landscape across different states.