The Census Bureau estimates that nearly 1.9-million people call the state of West Virginia “home.” When it comes to the overall health rankings, West Virginia is one of the unhealthiest states in the nation. West Virginia tumbled four more spots and is 47th in the 2012 “America’s Health Rankings.” A number of factors determine health insurance West Virginia premiums. The state actually ranks very well in a few categories, but struggles in many other areas. Here are some of the benefits and drawbacks associated with living in West Virginia.
Note: Stats and figures are provided by “America’s Health Rankings” from the United Health Foundation.
Health Insurance West Virginia: Pros
The health insurance pros of West Virginia include:
• When it comes to binge drinking, West Virginia has the second-lowest rate in the entire United States.
• The “Mountain State” currently ranks fourth in public health funding.
• West Virginia has the ninth-lowest rate of infectious disease.
Health Insurance West Virginia: Cons
The state struggles in many areas, leading to its poor ranking. The health insurance cons of West Virginia include:
• West Virginia has the second-highest smoking rate in the nation, as nearly 29% of the population lights up.
• The state also has the second-worst ranking when it comes to obesity, preventable hospitalizations, deaths from cancer and premature death.
• West Virginia is 47th in the number of poor mental health days and 50th in the number of poor physical health days.
• The state ranks 42nd or worse is the number of children in poverty, air pollution, occupational fatalities, immunization coverage, low birthweight, cardiovascular deaths, and infant mortality.
Health Insurance West Virginia: Resources
There are a number of health insurance West Virginia resources available for those in need, including:
• West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources
• West Virginia Bureau for Medical Services
• West Virginia Children’s Health Insurance Program
• Mountain State Physicians for a National Health Program
• West Virginians for Affordable Health Care
• West Virginia mental health resource guide
• The National Coalition on Health Care’s information for West Virginia