A recent study highlights the financial strain of healthcare costs across the United States, pinpointing the state with the highest expenses.
Contrary to popular belief, neither New York nor California tops the list. The most expensive state for healthcare is Alaska, where average insurance premiums amount to $948 per month.
Americans Struggling With Rising Healthcare Costs
A new study by Overnight Glasses reveals that many Americans are grappling with the rising cost of healthcare. The study ranks Alaska as the most expensive state for healthcare, with average health insurance costs soaring to $948 per month. Additionally, the price of an MRI in Alaska reaches a staggering $656.
To identify regions with the highest financial burden, the analysis examined key healthcare costs across all 50 states. The study evaluated these costs based on several factors, including health insurance premiums, MRI expenses, CT scan expenses, emergency room expenses, vision exam expenses, and dental exam expenses.
Alaska’s Skyrocketing Healthcare Costs
Alaska’s healthcare system has proven to be one of the most expensive in the United States, despite its relatively small population of 733,536. The state earned a top composite score of 82.97 in the study, solidifying its position as the costliest state for healthcare services.
Residents of Alaska face not only high insurance premiums but also substantial costs for procedures like CT scans ($499.25) and emergency room visits, which average $2,265. These elevated costs contribute to Alaska’s high composite score.
High-Cost States: New York and New Jersey
Following Alaska, New York ranks second with a composite score of 74.43. The state has the second-highest healthcare spending per capita at $14,007, and MRI costs rank third at $599.
New Jersey secures the third spot with a composite score of 64.57. Known for the highest emergency room costs in the United States, New Jersey residents pay an average of $3,377 per visit. The state also faces expensive MRI and CT scan procedures.
Additional High-Cost States
The states completing the top five most expensive for healthcare include Vermont, California, and Massachusetts. Vermont holds a composite score of 58.77, with high health insurance premiums averaging $908 per month.
California, with a composite score of 56.99, struggles primarily due to significant emergency room costs, averaging $3,238.
Massachusetts also ranks high in healthcare spending per capita, at $13,319, and sees average health insurance costs of $639 per month.
Washington and Delaware’s Significant Costs
Washington ranks ninth overall but stands out with the highest healthcare spending per capita at $14,381. Although insurance and vision exam costs may be lower than in some states, the overall expenditures place Washington among the most expensive.
Delaware completes the top ten, with healthcare spending per capita of $12,899 and emergency room costs averaging $1,746. The state’s healthcare expenses highlight the financial burden faced by its residents.
The Financial Strain on Americans
Despite leading in global healthcare spending, many Americans struggle to afford necessary medical care. A separate study by Gallup and West Health reveals that nearly half of Americans have been unable to pay for medical treatment or prescription drugs recently.
Approximately 45 percent of Americans surveyed reported skipping medical treatment or medications due to cost or lack of accessibility. Among them, eight percent indicated that they would not afford necessary care if needed today.
These findings underscore the critical gap in the US healthcare system, even as Americans spend more on healthcare per capita than individuals in any other developed nation.
High-Deductible Insurance Plans and Accessibility Issues
According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, the average family insurance deductible in the United States has seen a significant increase from $2,500 in 2013 to approximately $3,800 in 2022.
Even insured Americans face challenges affording and accessing care. Many individuals complain that insurers create barriers to treatment through practices such as prior authorisation denials and claim denials.
Call for Proactive Healthcare Strategies
A spokesperson from Overnight Glasses highlighted the importance of proactive healthcare strategies. “For individuals navigating these costs, being proactive—like exploring insurance options, utilising preventive care, and comparing healthcare providers—can make a big difference,” said the spokesperson.
Health insurance and healthcare costs continue to be a significant financial burden for Americans, especially in states like Alaska, New York, and New Jersey.
With healthcare expenses rising and many individuals struggling to afford necessary care, there is a pressing need for innovative solutions that prioritise both accessibility and cost-effectiveness.
