A recent national study ranked Delaware among the top 10 states with the highest health care costs. First State's position in this investigation highlights continued concerns about health care accessibility and affordability in the state.
The analysis, conducted by Overnight Glasses, evaluated all 50 states across a variety of cost metrics, including health insurance premiums, per capita health spending, and the cost of common medical procedures such as MRIs, CT scans, and emergency room visits. We also took into account costs related to daily health maintenance, such as vision and dental exams.
Delaware State finished in the top 10 with a score of 51.94 out of 100. The study found that the state's per capita health care costs were $12,899 and emergency care costs were approximately $1,746, a key factor in the ranking.
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Below is a list of the top 10 states with the highest medical costs according to this study.
Alaska – Score: 82.97New York – Score: 74.43New Jersey – Score: 64.57Vermont – Score: 58.77California – Score: 56.99Massachusetts – Score: 55.55Connecticut – Score: 55.02West Virginia – Score: 54.85washington -54.06Dedtor Score: 51.94
The ranking of states in this study is based on the health care challenges that exist within the state. Local experts continue to express concern about the difficulties residents face in accessing medical care. Long wait times for appointments with GPs, nurses and other health professionals are reportedly common, particularly in Kent and Sussex counties.
The state's health care system is further strained by a severe shortage of medical workers, a situation that experts predict will worsen in the coming years. This shortage is due in part to Delaware's growing elderly population, which is expected to increase demand for health care services.
Contact reporter Anitra Johnson at ajohnson@delawareonline.com.
