The newly released America’s Health Rankings Annual Report shows Floridians are near the bottom of the list when it comes to people avoiding healthcare because of cost with a larger uninsured population than most of the United States, and lower amounts of public health funding. The report also shows a high rate of preventable hospitalizations, and a low rate of access to mental health and dedicated healthcare providers in general. Florida’s rate of premature death before age 75 also increased significantly between 2020 and 2021 showing some of the impact of COVID-19.

The report also shows some bright spots for Floridians. Florida ranks high in fourth grade reading proficiency and overall fitness with low rates of smoking and high rates of exercise. Floridians also enjoy safer housing with lower levels of lead than most of the country.

Dr. Danielle Madril, UnitedHealthcare’s Chief Medical Officer, breaks down the report and Florida’s 31st overall ranking:

Florida Challenges:

Florida ranks in the bottom 20% of states in key health, community, and environmental measures:

• 43rd in people avoiding healthcare because of cost

• 46th in uninsured population

• 44th in public funding

o Florida spends about $137 per person, while the national average is $183.

• 42nd in mental health care providers

• 43rd in dedicated health providers

• 41st in preventable hospitalizations

• 16% increase in premature death before age 75 between 2020 and 2021. Nationwide, premature deaths increased 9%.

• 50th in volunteerism

• 44th in severe housing problems

• 14% increase in insufficient sleep

Florida Strengths:

• 4th in the percentage of adults who exercise

• 2nd in fourth grade reading proficiency for public school students at 39%. The national average is 32%.

• 4th in housing safety with a lead risk of 7.7%. The U.S. average is 16.5%.

• 11% of adult Floridians smoke compared with 14% nationwide.

Nationwide, the report shows more Americans are living with multiple chronic conditions, many of which require complex management even after diagnosis. Eight chronic conditions reached their highest rates in the report’s 34-year history including arthritis, asthma, cancer, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), depression, and diabetes. Homicides and drug deaths also increased dramatically.

• Homicides increased 33% nationally in just one year, between 2020 and 2021.

• Drug deaths increased 30%.

• Firearm deaths increased 13%.

• Premature death before age 75 increased 9% between 2020 and 2021, further showing the impacts of COVID-19, and rising rates of chronic conditions.

• The number of people diagnosed with diabetes and asthma each increased 8%.

• The supply of mental health and primary care providers increased to their highest levels in 34 years.

America’s Health Rankings is compiled each year by the United Health Foundation, a nonprofit, private foundation established by the United Healthcare Group to help states and the country identify strengths and quantify challenges to be able to improve public health. They put the report together in partnership with the American Public Health Association.

For more information about the 2023 America’s Health Rankings Report, visit www.AmericasHealthRankings.org.