States Where Healthcare Benefits for Children are Most Effective
Healthcare benefits differ state by state. The quality and the breadth of the healthcare coverage in a states depends on many factors, and it’s tied into other indicators like social equality, literacy rate and race equality.
All 50 states and the District of Columbia were ranked by WalletHub researchers for its study on 2017 Best States for Children’s Health Care. If you’re looking for the states which would ideal for prevailing wage workers and hourly employees hoping for quality employee benefits, read on.
States with Top Healthcare for Children
The following states were evaluated and ranked based on the composite scores on three general areas related to children, specifically:
- Health and access to health care
- Nutrition, physical activity and obesity
- Oral health
#1: Vermont
This state leads as No. 1 in terms of children’s health and access to health care, and nutrition, physical activity and obesity. It also landed the top 5 in children’s oral health.
Its success in providing healthcare for children may be related to its long-standing program Dr. Dynasaur, which has provided free or low-cost coverage for children under age 19 since 1989. The state has also recently seen the introduction of a bill for single-payer health care coming from Senator Bernie Sanders.
#2: Massachusetts
The Boston area is home to world-class leading children hospitals, and the state’s commitment to healthcare for children shows.
Massachusetts is second in health and access to health care, 18th in nutrition, physical activity and obesity, and seventh in oral health.
#3: Connecticut
This New England State came in at 6th in children’s health and access to health care, 5th in nutrition, physical activity and obesity, and 27th in oral health.
Many efforts for healthcare for children can be seen in Connecticut. This includes the public foundation Children’s Fun of Connecticut, which was founded over 20 years ago.
#4: Iowa
Outside of New England, Iowa is the top state for children’s health. The state is fifth for health and health access, 20th for nutrition, physical activity and obesity, and 1st for oral health.
#5: New Hampshire
Another New England state rounds up the top 5. New Hampshire scored 3rd for health and access to healthcare, 24th for nutrition, physical health and obesity, and 10th for oral health.
Children in New Hampshire can enjoy no- or low-cost coverage if they are eligible for Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program.
#6: Hawaii
This state is 4th for health and access to health care, and 15th for nutrition, physical activity and obesity. However, it has a ranking of 49 for oral health.
#7: Rhode Island
Another New England state on this list is Rhode Island, which is 9th in health and access to healthcare, 21st in nutrition, physical activity and obesity, and 4th in oral health. Most of the children in the state are insured.
#8: Delaware
Representing the mid-Atlantic in the top 10 is Delaware. The state ranks 8th in health and access to healthcare, 30th in nutrition, physical activity and obesity, and 15th in oral health.
#9: District of Columbia
The country’s capital made it to the top 10 list by ranking 7th in health and access to health care, 38th in nutrition, physical activity and obesity, and 23rd in oral health.
#10: Minnesota
Minnesota rounds out the top 10, with its place as 10th in health and access to health, 23rd in nutrition, physical activity and obesity, and 17th in oral health.
Learn More about Employee Benefits with ARCHER JORDAN
Knowing about the status of healthcare coverage in the state and the country is only part of the job of providing benefits to prevailing wage workers and hourly employees. ARCHER JORDAN is a third party administrator providing fringe benefits to government contractors and hourly hires, and we can help you offer competitive packages to your employees. Contact us today!
