A recent survey from Gallup and West Health reveals that just over half—55%—of U.S. adults feel they can access and afford quality healthcare when they need it. But this challenge is not spread evenly across the nation.
According to a new report by Forbes Advisor, which evaluated healthcare access across all 50 states using 14 key metrics, some states are worse off than others. Among the hardest-hit are Utah, Nevada, Texas, Arizona, and Georgia.
The Details: The Forbes Advisor report shows that Georgia ranks fifth among the worst states for healthcare access. The state struggles particularly with healthcare affordability and insurance coverage. Around 11.7% of Georgians are uninsured, and 15.2% say they have avoided visiting a doctor due to costs.
Other states fare worse on different fronts. Here’s a closer look at the top five worst states for healthcare access, based on the report’s findings:
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1. Utah: Employers in Utah contribute the second-lowest percentage toward their employees’ annual health insurance premiums. Additionally, the state has a low availability of primary care physicians, with only about 11.26 per 10,000 residents.
2. Nevada: Nevada ranks poorly due to its scarcity of healthcare providers. The state has the lowest number of primary care physicians per capita, at 10.4 per 10,000 residents. It also has limited critical care resources, with just 0.9 critical care nurses and certified registered nurse anesthetists per 10,000 adults.
3. Texas: In Texas, a significant portion of the population lacks health insurance, with 16.6% uninsured. Moreover, 16% of residents have delayed a doctor’s visit because of cost concerns, a rate higher than any other state.
4. Arizona: Arizona struggles with a shortage of primary care providers, offering only 12.24 per 10,000 residents. Additionally, only 35% of primary care provider needs are met in areas identified as having shortages, which places extra strain on the healthcare system.
5. Georgia: Georgia’s challenges are rooted in affordability and limited insurance coverage. The state has the second-highest percentage of uninsured residents and the second-highest rate of individuals who forego medical care due to costs.
Why It Matters: Access to affordable healthcare impacts individuals’ health outcomes and economic security. In states with higher uninsured rates and limited access to primary care providers, residents may delay necessary care, leading to more severe health issues over time. These challenges also put pressure on emergency services and other healthcare resources.
To explore the full rankings and review the complete analysis, visit Forbes Advisor for the full report and methodology.
