Report: The greatest health improvements and challenges in California
The annual assessment of the nation's health on a state-by-state basis shows where California is excelling and where the state has room for improvement.
California came in at No. 26 in the 35th edition of America’s Health Rankings Annual Report, an annual analysis produced by the United Health Foundation. As the longest running annual assessment of the nation’s health, this year’s report features 88 measures that span 5 categories of health and well-being.
The report also features a detailed profile on the state of California’s health, in addition to profiles on the rest of the country. While California experienced a 48% decrease in those who were uninsured and a 23% increase in adult flu vaccinations, the state also saw a 32% increase in frequent mental distress and 138% increase in drug deaths, which contributed to its position in the ranking.
4 takeaways for employers
- Understand the important role that employer-sponsored insurance plays in the health of employees. Health insurance coverage is known to enhance positive health outcomes, encourage the appropriate use of health care services and provide financial protection against high medical costs.1 People without insurance often turn to emergency departments for care, which is more expensive and less efficient. While the Affordable Care Act has broadened access to health insurance for millions of Americans and contributed to lower uninsured rates, employers have also played an important role by offering quality benefits. And when they do, they may see healthier and more productive workforces. Employers may also want to consider what programs a carrier offers to support individuals who may be losing and transitioning to different coverage for a myriad of reasons, such as dependents who lose coverage when they reach age 26.
- Support employee mental health. Knowing that frequent mental distress has increased in California, employers may want to review the behavioral health benefits they offer, especially because behavioral health issues like mental distress can significantly affect employee well-being, decision-making and productivity and lead to a rise in health care costs.2 Employers may want to prioritize mental health support by not only offering quality behavioral health benefits but also reminding them about the availability of a continuum of services, particularly low-acuity solutions like the Calm Health app, which can be accessed 24/7 whenever and wherever an employee needs it.
- Offer solutions built for substance use disorders. Opioids, which are among the chief culprits behind drug-related deaths, can affect employers in a variety of ways. It can affect on-the-job productivity, raise health care costs and, in certain areas such as California where drug deaths are among the highest, it can also affect the job candidate pool.3 That’s why employers may want to consider offering solutions that address substance use disorders. Plus, receiving evidence-based treatment from network providers enhances the likelihood that patients will have the necessary support systems, community resources and regular touchpoints essential for sustaining recovery.4
- Reinforce the importance of preventive care in the workplace. Preventive care is routine health care that helps employees stay on top of their health — and potentially catch any health issues before it becomes more serious. Selecting a plan design that offers access to preventive care (think: annual appointments, vaccinations, screenings at certain ages) at a $0 cost for employees and their families, and encouraging them to take advantage of those benefits, may lead to healthier outcomes, prevent absences from work and lower overall costs.
A state-by-state look
How does your state compare to the rest of the country? Take a look at America’s Health Rankings state summaries.
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