On average, older adults, who will make up 21 percent of the population in 2030, dedicate three weeks a year to doctor visits and other health appointments. This investment of time in an expanding demographic group augurs a looming healthcare crisis and highlights the integral role that health care plays in the daily lives of older people. The South fared particularly poorly on the report card. The 12 states with “D” ratings or worse are in the American South.
These results are likely to be the result of several sociodemographic and economic influences. Obesity is more prevalent in the region, which is one of the factors driving higher concentrations of chronic diseases. Poverty is also higher in the south, which can also lead to poor health outcomes and insufficient funding of medical infrastructure. Montana may be known for its badlands, but it's an excellent land for senior health care, with the best overall rating of the country.
The state's main strength was its accessibility to health care for older citizens. With a population of just over 1.1 million, its health care access score ranked second among all states, a figure supported by the Montana Rural Physician Incentive Program, which subsidizes and attracts medical professionals. Montana also had many Medicare hospitals per resident age 65 and older. In addition, Montana has been at the forefront of telehealth initiatives designed to help a dispersed citizenry that represents the third lowest population density in the country.
The state also ranked seventh in terms of its health care cost score, thanks to insurance premiums and moderately lower annual drug costs, which are about 40 percent lower than the national average. The remarkably low death rate from stroke contributed to his score in terms of medical outcomes, which ranked 18th among the best in the country. North Dakota ranked 17th among states in terms of medical costs for older people, thanks to insurance premiums 18 percent below the national average and lower drug costs than in most states. North Dakota nursing homes are also known for their excellent staffing rates.
It also ranks 20th in terms of medical costs, with annual drug expenditures 21 percent lower than the national average, and it has relatively low mortality rates from stroke and heart disease. Minnesota, home to the world-famous Mayo Clinic and medical device providers 3M and Medtronic, has 10,000 lakes and is ranked fourth among the best places for healthcare for the elderly. Reasonable medical prices are Minnesota's strongest selling point. The state ranks second nationally in terms of healthcare costs, with annual drug prices and insurance premiums 27 percent lower than national averages.
California ranked just behind Minnesota, meaning the Golden State is an attractive place to live out its golden years. With an excellent network of top-notch facilities and a comprehensive CalAIM program, positive results represent California's calling card. The state ranked sixth in this category, with mortality rates well below national averages for cancer, heart disease and falls. In fact, California was in the top 10 in each of these categories. Utah tops the list for having the happiest retirees, while Minnesota ranks highly for the best overall health care.
Minnesota is at the forefront of excellence in healthcare for older people, ranking first in the nation for long-term care and support services. The state's commitment to caring for the elderly is manifested through innovative programs and a comprehensive health care infrastructure. In 2024, in every state in the United States, Utah ranked as the healthiest state for adults over 65, followed by Colorado and Vermont. On the other hand, Louisiana was the unhealthiest state for older adults in the United States, ranking last on the list.
The state rankings for seniors were created using ** metrics from five different areas: social and economic problems, environmental factors, behavioral factors, clinical treatment, and health outcomes. MoneyGeek is dedicated to providing reliable information to help you make informed financial decisions. Each item is edited, verified and reviewed by industry professionals to ensure its quality and precision. Publicity and editorial outreach The states with the best health care in the United States are those where people are generally the healthiest, have access to health care services, and are least likely to be uninsured.
The best states for health care are found across the country, from Hawaii to Rhode Island. That said, four of the top 10 states on our list are in the Northeast, while three are in the West. Within these three categories, we broke down the best and worst states based on various data points about outcomes, costs, and access to health care. Below is a summary of those findings and the best and worst states for each data point. Deb Gordon, co-founder and CEO of Umbra Health Advocacy, has held executive roles in health insurance and healthcare technology services.
She is the author of a book entitled “The Health Care Consumer's Manifesto”, based on her research as a principal investigator at the Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government at Harvard Kennedy School. His work has been published in JAMA Network Open, the Harvard Business Review blog, USA Today and RealClear Politics, among others. Minnesota ranks first as the best place to retire in the U.S. Department of State with good health care, as residents enjoy a high quality of life and longevity. Minnesota also ranks highly among the least stressed states in the U.S.
In the United States, as its landscape of six national parks and 75 state parks encourages an active and stress-free retirement. Read on for a coast-to-coast scorecard detailing the best and worst states for senior healthcare and a breakdown of the region's strengths and weaknesses. Arizona Care Network (ACN) brings together 5,500 doctors in 1,800 care facilities, establishing one of the largest healthcare systems for older people in the Southwest. If health care is the most important thing for those who leave the 9-to-5 routine, Rochester, Minnesota, is the destination for retirees.
The state offers 61 Medicare Advantage plans, which guarantee diverse coverage options for seniors seeking comprehensive health care solutions. MaineHealth currently partners with local nursing homes and assisted living facilities to provide on-site care and clinical supervision for a smooth transition between healthcare environments. These centers offer a wide range of services, including specialized care for the elderly, ensuring that retirees have access to quality health care nearby from their homes. As a result, Minnesota continues to set standards for comprehensive health care for older people through its innovative programs and accessible coverage options.
California's older adult population will reach 8.6 million by 2030, leading the state to pioneer innovative healthcare solutions for older people. Through innovative technology programs, Connecticut improves the accessibility of health care for its elderly population. While states such as Montana and North Dakota scored A+ for the quality of health care for older people, six states received an F rating. Obviously, the expansion of Medicaid in the state has reduced compensated care costs for rural hospitals by nearly 60% and has otherwise strengthened health care infrastructure for older people across Montana's vast landscape. The Minnesota Senior Health Options (MSHO) program combines many health programs into a comprehensive package for people over 65 and assigns care coordinators to help older people manage all of their health needs medical care.
