Healthcare costs are rising nationwide, but for some states, the burden is far heavier than others. Imagine working hard to support your family, only to see a growing chunk of your income swallowed by medical bills.
Earlier this month, we conducted a nationwide study here at ProfitDuel to find which state spends the most on health care. Our findings showed that one state spends a larger share of their earnings on healthcare than anywhere else in the country.
Keep reading to discover which state has the highest healthcare costs, why is healthcare so expensive there, and which states are faring better.
On average a West Virginia household earning an annual income of $75,575, can expect to be spending $6,249.65 yearly on healthcare - the nation's highest cost.
With West Virginia ranking among the highest in the nation for poor physical and mental health, it’s no surprise that healthcare costs here are the highest.
- Casey Halpern, ProfitDuel's General Manager
More than a quarter of adults in West Virginia rate their health as fair or poor, and the state leads the nation in physical and mental health challenges, according to data from the West Virginia Department of Health.
High rates of chronic illness and low physical activity drive up healthcare costs, and despite efforts to improve public health, demand for care continues to exceed available resources.
To establish which state spends the most on healthcare, we analyzed U.S. Census Bureau data, which revealed that West Virginia spends the highest percentage of its income on healthcare. The state's average annual household income was $75,575, with $6,249.65 spent on healthcare each year, accounting for 8.27% of the total income.
Montana ranked as the state with the second-highest percentage of income spent on healthcare. With an average household income of $90,142 and an annual healthcare expenditure of $6,992.40, Montana residents spend 7.76% of their income on healthcare.
With Montana residents spending 7.76% of their income on healthcare, the financial strain is clear. Limited healthcare access, high insurance costs, and an aging population contribute to rising expenses, making affordability a growing concern.
The following five states are spending the highest percentage of their income on healthcare:
On the other end of the scale, the following states ranked the best overall, spending the lowest percentage of income on healthcare:
Hawaii stands out due to its high rate of insured residents, widespread access to healthcare, and some of the lowest obesity rates in the nation. A favorable lifestyle, combined with strong state healthcare initiatives, helps keep costs manageable, making it the most affordable state for healthcare relative to income.
While healthcare is an essential expense, it shouldn’t take away from your quality of life. Whether it’s booking your next vacation, saving for a new home, or simply enjoying financial peace of mind, high medical costs shouldn’t stand in your way.
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