Three decades ago, 62% of children in America didn’t have health insurance. In 2019, that number was approximately 5%. But insurance coverage does not always equate to access, coverage, and – most importantly – care.
The CDC says that, based on pre-pandemic numbers, 4.6% of children aged 5-11 years missed 11 or more days of school in a 12-month period because of illness or injury while 3.1% of children in the same age bracket are in poor or fair health. Even still, the agency reports that 97.1% of children in America have “a usual source of health care.” So, where in America do children not have a usual source for health care? Where is access the worst?
Personal financial website WalletHub recently examined the data in 2021’s Best & Worst States for Children’s Healthcare. In analyzing data from all 50 states and D.C., looking at 35 key indicators, including cost, quality, and access to children’s health care, the study showed a handful of surprising statistics.
We take a look at their findings in this week’s Map Monday:
The District of Columbia ranked No. 1 in the nation for children’s healthcare, followed by Hawaii, Vermont, Washington, and Maryland, respectively.
So how did the Peach State fare in the study?
Not all that well. Georgia ranked 2nd worst in the nation, falling behind only Texas. Georgia was 51st – or dead last – for Children’s Access to Health Care, though the state did place well for oral health, coming in at No. 9.
Among the other findings:
Children’s Health Care in Georgia (1=Best; 25=Avg.):
- 39th – % of Children in Excellent/Very Good Health
- 42nd – % of Uninsured Children
- 47th – Infant-Death Rate
- 40th – % of Children with Unaffordable Medical Bills
- 45th – Pediatricians & Family Doctors per Capita
- 34th – % of Overweight Children
- 27th – % of Obese Children
- 39th – % of Children with Excellent/Very Good Teeth
- 19th – COVID-19 Positive Tests in the Past Week per Capita
You can read the complete study as well as the methodology here.
