Accessing affordable healthcare 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 healthcare when needed.

In some states, accessing healthcare 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 healthcare is least accessible, Forbes Advisor compared all 50 states across 14 key metrics.

Top 10 States Where Healthcare Is Least Accessible

1. Utah

Utah tops our list as the worst state for healthcare 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).

2. Nevada

Nevada lacks an adequate number of primary care physicians to support its population, and a large percentage of residents are uninsured.

3. Texas

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%).

4. Arizona

Access to qualified healthcare professionals in Arizona is limited, often leading to unmet medical needs for residents.

5. Georgia

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.

6. South Carolina

The Palmetto State has a significant need for qualified healthcare professionals to make healthcare more accessible to residents.

South Carolina employers also cover the sixth-lowest percentage of employees’ annual health insurance premiums (76% for employees with single coverage).

7. Indiana

Indiana has a need for more qualified healthcare professionals to make healthcare more affordable and accessible for its population.

8. Wyoming

A large number of residents in Wyoming don’t have health insurance, and those who get insurance through their job have high premiums.

Additionally, Wyoming employers cover the sixth-lowest percentage of employees’ health insurance premiums (76% for employees with single coverage).

9. Idaho

The Gem State has the greatest need for specialist physicians and critical care physicians in the nation.

10. North Carolina

North Carolina has a strong need for more qualified healthcare professionals.

North Carolina employers also cover the sixth-lowest percentage of employees’ annual health insurance premiums (76% for employees with single coverage).

How Health Insurance Can Increase Healthcare Access

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 healthcare you need.

For 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.

By doing your due diligence and thoroughly researching each plan, it’s possible to find affordable health insurance that meets your needs.

Methodology

State population data comes from The U.S. Census Bureau, 2023.