The Census Bureau estimates that just nearly 6.9-million people call the state of Washington “home.” When it comes to the overall health rankings, Washington is viewed as one of the healthiest states in the nation. Despite slipping four spots, Washington is still 13th in the 2012 “America’s Health Rankings.” A number of factors determine health insurance Washington premiums. The state ranks very well in many categories, but struggles in some other areas. Here are some of the benefits and drawbacks associated with living in Washington.
Note: Stats and figures are provided by “America’s Health Rankings” from the United Health Foundation.
Health Insurance Washington: Pros
The health insurance pros of Washington include:
• Washington is ranked seventh in the nation when it comes to smoking, as under 20% of the population smokes.
• The “Evergreen State” ranks in the top 10 in several categories, including sedentary lifestyle, occupational fatalities, preventable hospitalizations, low birthweight and infant mortality.
• Washington is ranked in the top 20 in binge drinking, obesity, public health funding, the number of primary care physicians that are available, diabetes, and deaths caused by cancer.
Health Insurance Washington: Cons
The state doesn’t struggle in many areas, but the health insurance cons of Washington include:
• Washington is 36th in the country in terms of geographic disparity.
• Immunization coverage is an issue, as Washington is ranked 39th.
• The state is currently 37th in high school graduation rate.
• Washington checks in at 31st in instances of infectious disease.
Health Insurance Washington: Resources
There are a number of health insurance Washington resources available for those in need, including:
• Governor’s Office on Health Care Reform
• Insurance Commissioner on Health Reform
• Washington Apple Health for Kids
• Health Care for All – Washington
• Physicians for a National Health Program
• United for National Healthcare
• Washington Mental Health Resource Guide
• The National Coalition on Health Care’s information for Washington