Massachusetts has the top healthcare system in the nation, according to the most recent ranking from the Commonwealth Fund. The recognition serves as a reminder that, even as Massachusetts struggles with intense pressures, its people are still part of the most supportive healthcare environment anywhere in the country.

After applying 50 measures to gauge a health system’s access and affordability, prevention and treatment, avoidable hospital use and costs, health outcomes and healthy behaviors, and equity, the Commonwealth Fund placed Massachusetts at the top of the list. Hawaii, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and the District of Columbia were next, while West Virginia, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and Mississippi brought up the rear.

According to the Commonwealth Fund rankings, if you live in Massachusetts you are most likely insured, your children have all of their vaccines, and the chances of you or your family avoiding colorectal or breast cancer, death by firearm, or infant mortality are better here than in any other state. The commonwealth’s medical infrastructure has always placed it at the top of quality-of-care lists, but more surprisingly is the fact that Massachusetts ranks near the top (6th) in keeping out of-pocket medical costs low relative to the patient’s annual household income. That is, the dollar cost of a procedure may be high in the state but not as a percentage of household income.

Hospital use, however, is high in Massachusetts, according to the latest available numbers (2023). Elderly people in the state (over age 65) also use Massachusetts EDs more than other states.

“As the debate over healthcare costs and access continue in Massachusetts, it’s important to keep in mind what we’re fighting for – a healthcare infrastructure that is the crown jewel of the commonwealth and the nation.”

“Students from around the U.S. travel here to be educated at our medical schools, and patients from across the globe come to Massachusetts to access our hospitals. Massachusetts hospitals and health systems are usually the largest employers in their service areas and the economic multiplier effect from their presence in the state is profound. Preserving that excellence while improving its availability to all in our state must be the driving force behind every policy decision we make as a commonwealth.”

Steve Walsh
President & CEO, Massachusetts Health & Hospital Association