Americans in the western U.S. are facing significant challenges in accessing healthcare. States like Utah, Nevada, and Arizona rank among the lowest in healthcare accessibility due to limited resources, a shortage of qualified doctors, and high rates of uninsured residents.
Utah Tops the List of Poor Healthcare Access
A recent analysis by Forbes, using data from the CDC, KFF, and the U.S. Census Bureau, found Utah to have the lowest healthcare access nationwide. The state’s score of 100 reflects issues like low numbers of doctors, limited insurance coverage, and a scarcity of hospital beds. Utah has only 1.7 hospital beds per 1,000 residents, and primary care doctors are sparse, with just 11.3 per 10,000 residents. High costs have forced 11% of residents to delay medical care, and employers in Utah cover the second-lowest share of healthcare costs in the nation.
Nevada and Texas Also Rank Poorly
Nevada follows Utah closely, with an accessibility score of 93. The state has the nation’s lowest number of primary care doctors—10 per 10,000 residents—and ranks low in advanced practice nurses. Around 11% of Nevada residents remain uninsured, with 13% delaying care due to cost. Texas, with a score of 92.15, has the highest uninsured rate in the country at nearly 17%. Consequently, preventable hospital admissions are higher in Texas compared to the national average, with rural hospitals facing risk of closure due to financial strain.
Northeast States Lead in Healthcare Access
In contrast, northeastern states like Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island offer some of the best healthcare access. Massachusetts ranks highest with an accessibility score of zero, driven by low uninsured rates and high numbers of healthcare professionals. The state has 23 primary care doctors and 30 specialists per 10,000 residents, and only 2% of residents are uninsured. Connecticut and Rhode Island follow closely, boasting more healthcare resources and fewer uninsured residents.
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Long Wait Times Still Common in High-Access States
Despite their better resources, northeastern states face challenges with long wait times. In Massachusetts, the average emergency room wait time is 214 minutes. A separate study found Boston residents wait an average of 34 days for a doctor’s appointment, which is above the national average of 26 days. Factors such as an aging population and physician burnout contribute to these delays.
Rural and Urban Divide Impacts Healthcare Accessibility
The healthcare access gap between rural and urban areas is a significant issue. Western states with larger rural populations face greater access challenges, with sparse healthcare facilities spread across wide areas. In Utah, for example, 12% of the population lives in non-metro areas, compared to just 1.5% in Massachusetts.
U.S. Healthcare Spending Yet Accessibility Lags
Despite spending over $4.3 trillion on healthcare in 2021, nearly a fifth of the country’s GDP, the U.S. lags in healthcare outcomes compared to other wealthy nations. Americans have shorter life expectancies and higher rates of chronic diseases and maternal mortality. These issues underscore the need for reforms to improve healthcare accessibility, especially in underserved western states.
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