Methodology

For the list, Forbes Advisor compared all 50 U.S. states and Washington, D.C. on nine metrics between 2020 and 2022:

• Average annual premium for employees with single coverage through employer-provided health insurance (15%)
• Average annual premium for employees with plus one coverage through employer-provided health insurance (15%)
• Average annual premium for employees with family coverage through employer-provided health insurance (15%)
• Average annual deductible for employees with family coverage through employer-provided health insurance (15%)
• Average annual deductible for employees with single coverage through employer-provided health insurance (15%)
• Average individual health insurance premium for a silver tier health plan (10%)
• Percentage of adults who chose not to see a doctor at some point in the past 12 months due to cost (7%)
• Percentage of adults reporting 14 or more mentally unhealthy days a month who could not see a doctor at some point in the past 12 months due to cost (4%)
• Percentage of children whose families struggled to pay for their child’s medical bills in the past 12 months (4%)

Data for each metric was collected from KFF, CDC, and Mental Health America. Each state received a score from 0 to 100, with 0 representing the least expensive healthcare costs and 100 representing the most expensive.

The most (and least) expensive states for healthcare

Overall, the five most expensive states for healthcare are:

1. North Carolina, which had a score of 100
2. South Dakota, which had a score of 93.41
3. Nebraska, which had a score of 93.09
4. Florida, which had a score of 92.50
5. Texas, which had a score of 91.38

In comparison, the five least expensive states for healthcare are:

51. Hawaii, which had a score of 0
50. Michigan, which had a score of 6.37
49. Washington, which had a score of 11.51
48. California, which had a score of 32.13
47. Massachusetts, which had a score of 32.96

How to reduce your healthcare costs

To reduce your healthcare costs, Forbes Advisor offers several tips, particularly on how to find the best health insurance:

1. Shop around to find the most affordable plan.

"Don't settle on the first plan you come across," Forbes Advisor writes. "Take the time to get health insurance quotes from multiple providers. This will give you a clearer picture of how much health insurance costs and what you can expect in terms of coverage."

2. Assess your health needs and risks

Assess your specific health needs and risks, and then find a plan that addresses them directly. If you choose a plan that matches your health needs, you'll avoid paying for unnecessary coverage.

3. If you're close to retirement age, find the best insurance for seniors

Plans that are designed for older adults often provide coverage for common health concerns and needs that develop later in life. These tailored plans can help you cut down on healthcare costs in the long term.

4. Don't limit your options

Although most people will go with a large health insurance company, that isn't always the best choice for everybody. Smaller providers may sometimes offer more tailored plans that are more cost-effective for your personal circumstances.

5. Don't underestimate the costs of being uninsured

"Going without coverage can result in hefty out-of-pocket costs for medical services and emergencies. Investing in health insurance can help offer financial security should you get sick or require surgery in the future," Forbes Advisor writes. (Horton/Smith, Forbes Advisor, 3/18)

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