Pennsylvania has been ranked as the fifth most accessible state for healthcare in the United States, according to a recent survey by Forbes Advisor. The study used 14 metrics, including access to healthcare providers, healthcare facilities, and the cost of healthcare, to determine the rankings.
The survey found that Pennsylvania has the sixth highest number of primary care physicians per 10,000 residents (19.78) and the sixth highest number of specialist physicians per 10,000 residents (22.01). The state's high ranking is significant given that just 55% of U.S. adults can access and afford quality healthcare when needed, according to a 2024 survey from Gallup and West Health.
Central Penn Business Journal reports that insurance analyst Jason Metz stated, "Having the best health insurance can increase access to essential healthcare." He advised considering factors such as monthly premiums, out-of-pocket costs, in-network care, preventive care, and coverage of prescription medications when searching for health insurance coverage.
The top five states with the most accessible healthcare, according to the Forbes Advisor study, are Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. Utah was ranked as the state with the least accessible healthcare due to its lack of resources, including low numbers of qualified healthcare professionals and an insufficient number of hospital beds.