Minnesota is the second-best state for healthcare, according to a new WalletHub study that compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia across 44 key metrics highlighting the cost, accessibility and effectiveness of each state's healthcare system. Access to affordable, high-quality healthcare differs greatly from state to state, and it remains out of reach for many people.
The average American spends nearly $15,500 annually on personal healthcare, according to the latest CMS estimates. However, high spending doesn't always translate into better outcomes. The U.S. trails several other wealthy nations in health coverage, life expectancy and access to care, despite spending more than any nation, according to research from the Kaiser Family Foundation.
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“Healthcare has two crucial components, cost and quality. The best healthcare in the nation isn't helpful if it bankrupts the people who try to get it, and cheap healthcare may not lead to the best outcomes,” said WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo. “Therefore, the best states for healthcare are those that make high-quality care affordable, on top of providing many options for doctors and making insurance easily accessible.”
In-Depth Look at Minnesota
Minnesota demonstrates it's one of the best states for healthcare by offering the largest number of convenient care clinics per capita and boasting the third-best Medicare acceptance rate among physicians. It also has the second-lowest maternal mortality rate, a sign that expectant mothers receive strong prenatal and delivery care.
However, Minnesota has room for improvement in other areas. For example, the state has the fewest patients seen at community health centers. It also has the fourth-highest prevalence of cancer.
How Minnesota Ranks in Key Categories
- Third for Cost
- Second for Access
- 11th for Outcomes
This puts Minnesota in second place out of the 50 states and the District of Columbia in WalletHub's study.
States With the Best Healthcare
Overall Rank | State | Total Score | Cost Rank | Access Rank | Outcomes Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | New Hampshire | 68.63 | 2 | 17 | 1 |
2 | Minnesota | 66.72 | 3 | 2 | 11 |
3 | Iowa | 65.39 | 1 | 29 | 12 |
4 | Rhode Island | 63.44 | 13 | 10 | 9 |
5 | Hawaii | 63.08 | 25 | 23 | 3 |
6 | Massachusetts | 62.67 | 40 | 4 | 2 |
7 | Maine | 61.55 | 23 | 3 | 19 |
8 | Wisconsin | 61.37 | 24 | 6 | 13 |
9 | Colorado | 61.32 | 36 | 5 | 7 |
10 | Nebraska | 60.91 | 21 | 8 | 16 |
The methodology can be found on the full version of the article on WalletHub.
