Strafford News

New Hampshire ranks among the top three states in the 2023 Scorecard on State Health System Performance, released today by the Commonwealth Fund. In addition to ranking third overall, New Hampshire received high marks in several categories, including Access and Affordability, Prevention and Treatment, Healthy Lives, Reproductive and Maternal Health, and Racial and Ethnic Equity.

“For years now, New Hampshire has worked to create systems of care that help families and communities across the Granite State to thrive,” said Governor Chris Sununu. “We should all take great pride in this ranking, which shows that when it comes to delivering compassionate care that prioritizes the individual and saves lives, New Hampshire is among the best of the best.”

The 2023 Scorecard on State Health System Performance, issued by the Commonwealth Fund earlier today, ranks state health care system performance based on 58 measures of health care access, quality, use of services, costs, health disparities, reproductive care, and women’s health, and health outcomes. New Hampshire ranks number one in the country for access to a usual source of health care for adults and a medical home for children, leading to excellent preventative care services. The 2023 Scorecard ranks New Hampshire fourth on health care access and affordability and third in reproductive care and women’s health.

While the 2023 Scorecard noted that nationwide, deaths from preventable conditions, such as COVID-19, drug overdose, and suicide, increased between 2019 and 2021, New Hampshire has the fourth lowest rate of avoidable deaths among people under 75. New Hampshire also ranked best in avoidable deaths from preventable diseases by race and ethnicity.

“The national recognition of the quality of New Hampshire’s health system is gratifying and mirrors our experience with our public health and health care partners,” said Lori Weaver, Commissioner, NH Department of Health and Human Services. “There are areas in the 2023 Scorecard that show we still have work to do to ensure every resident has access to quality health care, but the foundations in this state are solid. The findings also align with the Department’s Roadmap 2023, which promotes healthy communities by helping residents get the right services at the right time and place.”

New Hampshire ranks 20th for Potentially Avoidable Hospital Use and Cost and Income Disparity, indicating the State and its healthcare partners can make additional progress to improve the overall healthcare system. During the pandemic, many people also skipped routine cancer screenings, such as screenings for breast and cervical cancer. The 2023 Scorecard also calls attention to maternity care deserts, which is a concern for rural areas in New Hampshire and poses challenges in the future for the State maintaining its high ranks for reproductive care and women’s health.

The 2023 Scorecard includes recommendations for all states to improve avoidable mortality and behavioral health, reproductive care and women’s health, and insurance coverage and affordability. The Commonwealth Fund’s 2023 Scorecard on State Health System Performance is available at www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/scorecard/2023/jun/2023-scorecard-state-health-system-performance

Original source can be found here.