Oklahoma health care ranked nearly the worst in the nation

Oklahoma ranked 49th in the nation for its state health care system, according to a report released last week.

The Commonwealth Fund, a private foundation supporting independent health care research, reported that only Texas and Mississippi trailed Oklahoma. D.C. was also included in the report.

Dr. Joseph Betancourt, president of the foundation, said the 2025 scorecards show “incredible progress” around the country but also underscore the “peril that lies ahead.”

“In addition to the importance of federal policy, it is clear that state policy matters as well,” Betancourt said. “I’m a primary care doctor. I see patients every week and people across the nation can tell you that there is no substitute for being able to get the care you need when you need it. And the evidence is clear that policies that make health insurance and health care more affordable and accessible work and make a difference for people everywhere every day.”

The scorecards use the most recently available data, said David Radley, a senior scientist at the Commonwealth Fund. This year’s report generally reflects the state of health and experiences in 2023, he said.

Oklahoma performed worst in breast cancer deaths and people with medical debt in collections, but best on primary care spending for seniors.

Oklahoma is 48th in access and affordability to health care, with Nevada, Mississippi and Texas the only states ranked lower. The state also ranks 46th in racial health equity as well as prevention and treatment.

Ranked 25th for drug overdose, Oklahoma has more than 32 deaths per 100,000 people.

Oklahoma is ranked 50th for breast cancer deaths and 42nd for infant mortality.

There are nearly 22 suicides per 100,000 people in Oklahoma, bringing the state a ranking of 46.

Oklahoma was ranked in the bottom five states for premature deaths from treatable and preventable causes.

In 2024, a report from the Commonwealth Fund found that Oklahoma’s maternal mortality was one of the worst in the country at 48th.

Rates of uninsured people dropped in all states, which was likely because of expansions to Medicaid, subsidized coverage and consumer protections, according to a news release. But these improvements could be “reversed” by proposed federal policy changes cutting Medicaid.

“My hope is that these findings serve as a guide and a call to action for policymakers to make sure everyone in America can get the care they need, no matter who they are, where they live, or how much money they earn,” Betancourt said.

Oklahoma Voice (oklahomavoice.com) is an affiliate of States Newsroom, the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news organization, supported by grants and donations. Oklahoma Voice provides nonpartisan reporting, and retains full editorial independence.