IN OTHER NEWS – A new study by Forbes Advisor found that Georgia ranked among the top five worst states for healthcare access.

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Accessing affordable healthcare is a challenge for many Americans nationwide. A recent survey from Gallup and West Health found that just 55% of U.S. adults can access and afford quality healthcare when needed.

In some states, accessing healthcare may be more challenging due to high costs, a lack of health insurance coverage and a shortage of healthcare providers. So, which states are the worst for healthcare access?

To find out, Forbes Advisor compared all 50 states across 14 key metrics. We found that Georgia ranks #5 among the worst states for healthcare access.

Top 5 Worst States For Healthcare Access:   

Georgia: Georgia has the second-highest percentage of residents who lack health insurance coverage (11.7%) and the second-highest percentage of residents who chose not to see a doctor due to cost (15.2%). 

Utah: Utah employers cover the second-lowest percentage of employee’s annual health insurance premiums and the Beehive State has the third-lowest number of primary care physicians per 10,000 residents (11.26). 

Nevada: Nevada has the fewest primary care physicians per 10,000 residents (10.4) and the second-lowest number of critical care nurses and certified registered nurse anesthetists per 10,000 adults (0.9). 

Texas: Texas has the highest percentage of residents who lack health insurance coverage (16.6%) and the highest percentage of people who delayed a doctor’s visit due to cost (16%). 

Arizona: Arizona has the sixth-lowest number of primary care physicians per 10,000 residents (12.24) and the eighth-lowest percentage of need met in primary care provider shortage areas (35%). 

See how the rest of the country stacks up in the full report.