2021’s Best & Worst States for Children’s Health Care

Wallet Hub, Apr 13, 2021

During the coronavirus pandemic, it’s more important now than ever to safeguard the health of America’s children. While children are less likely than adults to experience serious symptoms from COVID-19, they are still able to contract the disease and spread it to others, and may be less apt to practice good hygiene than adults. Most children also don’t have the opportunity to get vaccinated yet, as the current vaccines are only available to people over age 16.

Luckily, around 95% of children aged 0 to 18 have health insurance to protect them if they do get sick. The bad news is that the high coverage rate hasn’t translated to lower health costs for parents, and the average family premium rose 4% in 2020 alone. Some families can find relief through Medicaid or through the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). However, many people who don’t qualify for government assistance will still struggle, especially in the difficult economic situation caused by COVID-19.

It’s a different story in every state, though. WalletHub therefore compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia across 35 key indicators of cost, quality and access to children’s health care. Their data set ranges from share of children aged 0 to 17 in excellent or very good health to pediatricians and family doctors per capita….

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SoR: Hawaii ranks #1 in childrens’ health and access to health care