A new study has ranked Florida’s healthcare system as 48th in the country.
The 2018 Scorecard on State Health System Performance – published by the Commonwealth Fund – analyzed 40 factors related to access to care, quality of care and health disparities across the nation. In Florida, deaths from suicide, alcohol and drug use increased, the study said, one of the factors that contributed to the Sunshine State's low ranking.
While the rise in suicide and drug-related deaths were indicators that worsened overtime, Florida also had some improvements. More adults and children (0-64) are insured, and less adults went without care because of high medical costs, the study said.
Other areas where Florida faltered include adults without all recommended vaccines, children without a medical home and hospital 30-day mortality.
Louisiana, Oklahoma and Mississippi trail the Sunshine State with rankings at 49, 50 and 51, respectively. Florida's ranking dropped five places from last year, the study said.
For the second year, Hawaii leads the nation in healthcare, according to the study, with Massachusetts, Minnesota, Vermont and Utah following closely behind.
Overall, the study found that high levels of obesity, rising death rates from drug and alcohol use and disparities in healthcare were challenges for all 50 states. To view the complete study, click here.
