Access to health care services and the affordability of health insurance are crucial to overall health, yet they vary widely across the United States. Factors such as health insurance enrollment, adult wellness visits, health care affordability, and Medicare quality are used to evaluate states, and in the Mountain State, the results are grim.
While West Virginia excels at insuring its residents, boasting one of the lowest uninsured rates per capita in the country, the same cannot be said about its health outcomes.
The Worst Health Care in the Nation
A recent national survey ranks West Virginia at the bottom for health care quality. Despite being No. 6 for accessibility, the state has the worst health outcomes, including the highest rate of preventable deaths—126 per 100,000 residents—and the highest diabetes mortality rate. Additionally, West Virginia has the highest average private health insurance premiums in the U.S., averaging around $8,546 per year.
Alarming Preventable Death Rates
West Virginia’s troubling rate of preventable deaths serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive health care improvements. The state leads the nation in preventable deaths per 100,000 residents, highlighting avoidable tragedies that reflect systemic issues within its health care infrastructure. Enhanced preventive care measures, focused public health campaigns, and timely access to high-quality health care services are essential to reducing the burden of preventable deaths and improving the well-being of West Virginians.
The Financial Strain of Health Care
In one of the poorest states in the country, the high cost of health care weighs heavily on its residents, creating significant barriers to accessing essential services and threatening the financial stability of individuals and families.
Relief Through Advanced Premium Tax Credits
A bright spot is the Advanced Premium Tax Credits (APTC) enacted in the American Rescue Plan and extended by the Inflation Reduction Act. These credits have helped millions of people afford health coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplaces.
In West Virginia, over 21,000 residents benefit from these tax credits, saving the average enrollee an estimated $700 in 2024. These credits are a lifeline for those who would otherwise be unable to afford health coverage or access necessary care.
The APTC enhancements contributed to a record 21.4 million people signing up for marketplace coverage in 2024, nearly double the 12 million enrollees in 2021.
Personal Experience with the ACA
I first enrolled in the ACA in late 2022. Initially skeptical, I found it to be an exceptional option. For those seeking coverage between jobs with employer-sponsored health care or individuals working for themselves or small employers who cannot afford a group plan, the ACA Marketplace offers affordability and flexibility.
The Future of Premium Tax Credits
The enhanced premium tax credits are set to expire after 2025. If Congress does not extend these credits, tens of thousands of West Virginians will face losing their health insurance, delaying or skipping needed care, or incurring unaffordable medical debt.
Addressing Health Care Costs
Mitigating health care costs requires innovative approaches, including promoting transparency, expanding Medicaid coverage, and fostering competition among insurance providers.
The Bigger Picture: Social Determinants of Health
To truly address West Virginia’s poor health outcomes, we must delve deeper into the unique challenges facing its residents. Social determinants of health—where people are born, grow, live, work, and age—can affect up to 80% of an individual’s health outcomes before any health care intervention occurs.
West Virginia faces specific challenges that negatively impact social determinants of health, especially for at-risk populations. These include one of the worst drug problems in the country, high rates of obesity, diabetes, and disability, resulting in one of the lowest labor participation rates and contributing to social isolation. Furthermore, two-thirds of West Virginians live in underserved and under-resourced rural communities.
Population Decline and Aging
Population decline is driving an aging state population. West Virginia has the nation’s third-highest percentage of residents aged 65 and older, which strains the workforce and impacts the economy.
The Path Forward
Addressing social determinants of health is crucial for removing barriers and improving health outcomes, especially for Medicaid populations. A deep understanding of West Virginia’s specific challenges is essential for achieving success.
West Virginia’s health outcomes paint a bleak picture of the state’s overall well-being. These shocking figures demand immediate attention to address systemic issues hindering preventive measures and access to essential health care services. The population of West Virginia deserves a robust, diversified health care system capable of delivering improved outcomes and enhanced well-being.
Rubby Cordelia is a finance journalist for WVPrepBB.com, bringing expertise and clarity to her reporting on financial news. With a passion for demystifying complex economic issues, Rubby delivers insightful analysis and up-to-date information on the latest market trends, financial policies, and economic developments. Her work on WVPrepBB.com is essential reading for anyone looking to stay informed about the ever-changing world of finance.
