Ohio among top 10 states with most accessible healthcare, according to Forbes

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Ohio ranks among the top 10 states with the most accessible healthcare in America, a recent Forbes Advisor study found. 

A 2024 survey from Gallup and West Health found that just over half (55%) of American adults can access and afford quality health care when needed. In some states, accessing healthcare can be more challenging due to high costs, a lack of insurance coverage or a shortage of providers. 

Media company Forbes Advisor compared all 50 states across 14 key metrics such as number of hospital beds and physicians per 10,000 residents, as well as the percentage of residents who lack health insurance coverage. Data was sourced from government databases and the nonprofit Kaiser Family Foundation, spanning from 2020 to 2024.

In Forbes’ ranking of the states with the most accessible health care, Ohio came in at No. 6. The news platform found 5.9% of residents in Ohio were uninsured in 2022, and there are about 17.53 primary care physicians, 21.02 specialist physicians and 10.9 nurse practitioners per 10,000 residents this year. The top five states with the most accessible health care were Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Michigan and Pennsylvania. 

Ranked as the state with the least accessible healthcare in the country was Utah. The Beehive State was the worst due to its lack of resources, including low numbers of qualified health care professionals and an insufficient number of hospital beds. Utah was followed by Nevada, Texas, Arizona and Georgia.