Accessing affordable health care is a challenge for Americans nationwide, as a recent survey from Gallup and West Health found that just over half (55%) of U.S. adults can access and afford quality health care when needed.
In some states, accessing health care may be more challenging than in others due to high costs, a lack of health insurance coverage and a shortage of healthcare providers.
To determine where health care is least accessible, Forbes Advisor compared all 50 states across 14 key metrics.
[Read more: 10 states ideal for retail pharmacy]
Key takeaways:
[Read more: Which states have the best, worst health care?]
Top 10 states where health care Is least accessible:
1. Utah
Utah’s score: 100 out of 100
Utah topped the list as the worst state for health care access due to its lack of resources, including low numbers of qualified healthcare professionals and an insufficient number of hospital beds.
Utah employers also cover the second-lowest percentage of employee’s annual health insurance premiums (74% for employees with single coverage).
Additionally, the Beehive State has the:
2. Nevada
Nevada’s score: 93.08 out of 100
Nevada lacks an adequate number of primary care physicians to support its population, and a large percentage of residents are uninsured.
The Silver State has the:
3. Texas
Texas’ score: 92.15 out of 100
The Lone Star State has the highest percentage of residents lacking health insurance coverage (16.6%) and the highest percentage of people who were unable to afford a visit to the doctor (16%).
Texas also stands out as a state with the:
4. Arizona
Arizona’s score: 92.11 out of 100
Access to qualified healthcare professionals in Arizona is limited, often leading to unmet medical needs for residents.
The Grand Canyon State has the:
5. Georgia
Georgia’s score: 88.52 out of 100
Georgia’s population has the second highest percentage of people who don’t have health insurance, accompanied by a high number of residents who cannot afford a visit to the doctor.
The Peach State has the:
6. South Carolina
South Carolina’s score: 83.29 out of 100
The Palmetto State has a significant need for qualified healthcare professionals to make healthcare more accessible to residents.
South Carolina stands out as a state with the:
South Carolina employers also cover the sixth-lowest percentage of employees’ annual health insurance premiums (76% for employees with single coverage).
7. Indiana
Indiana’s score: 79.16 out of 100
Indiana requires more qualified healthcare professionals to make healthcare more affordable and accessible for its population.
The Hoosier State has the:
8. Wyoming
Wyoming’s score: 78.06 out of 100
A large number of residents in Wyoming don’t have health insurance, and those who get insurance through their job have high premiums.
Wyoming stands out as a state with the:
Additionally, Wyoming employers cover the sixth-lowest percentage of employees’ health insurance premiums (76% for employees with single coverage).
9. Idaho
Idaho’s score: 75.23 out of 100
The Gem State has the greatest need for specialist physicians and critical care physicians in the nation.
Idaho has the:
10. North Carolina
North Carolina’s score: 71.90 out of 100
North Carolina has a strong need for more qualified healthcare professionals.
The Tar Heel State has the:
North Carolina employers also cover the sixth-lowest percentage of employees’ annual health insurance premiums (76% for employees with single coverage).
Forbes Advisor noted that without health insurance, it’s difficult to afford the critical health care services you may need, like treatments or medications for chronic illnesses. Having the best health insurance can increase access to and reduce the cost of essential health care you need.
Forbes Advisor provided the following example: uninsured adults are less likely than those with health coverage to receive preventive and screening services on a timely basis and are less likely to have a primary healthcare provider.
When searching for health insurance coverage, Forbes Advisor offered this advice:
