SmileHub Unveils 2026 Top States for Women’s Health
Overview of the Study
A recent study has highlighted that several states in the Northeast are leading the nation in terms of women’s health care access, affordability, and safety. The analysis, conducted by SmileHub, evaluated all 50 states based on 18 different health care metrics. These metrics included life expectancy, hospital quality, maternal mortality, the affordability of doctor visits, and access to medical and wellness support.
The findings reveal significant disparities in health care across the United States, with certain states providing much better conditions for women to thrive. According to Luke Powers from SmileHub, “The US is home to over 169 million women, whose health and well-being are essential to their quality of life and happiness. However, access to affordable health care remains a challenge, and more than one-third of women in the US skip needed medical care because of the cost.”
Top Performing States
Massachusetts secured the top position overall, repeating as the best state from 2025. The Bay State excelled in health and living standards, while also ranking near the top nationally for women’s life expectancy and obesity rates. Although its safety and policy support were slightly lower, Massachusetts maintained its strong performance.
Connecticut took the second spot, moving up one place from 2025. The Constitution State was recognized for having the highest-quality women’s hospitals in the country and one of the longest life expectancies for women. It also ranked second for safety.
New York retained its fourth-place finish from 2025. The Empire State ranked third for health care policies and support systems and third for safety. Additionally, it led the nation in health and wellness charities per woman.
New Jersey placed seventh overall, slightly dropping from its fifth-place finish in 2025. The Garden State stood out with the nation’s best safety ranking and strong life expectancy scores, although its hospital quality was closer to the middle nationally.
Maryland rounded out the top 10, slipping from sixth place in 2025. The Old Line State ranked fifth for safety and performed consistently across health care access and policy measures.
Pennsylvania improved slightly, finishing 13th nationally, up from No. 15 in 2025. The Keystone State only trailed New York in most health and wellness charities per woman, while also placing 10th for health care policies and support systems.
Virginia finished 23rd overall, down from No. 18 in 2025. While it ranked 12th for safety, weaker scores in health care policies and support systems pulled down the state’s overall score.
Data Sources and Methodology
SmileHub’s study utilized a variety of federal statistics, along with data from the United States Mortality DataBase, United Health Foundation, US News & World Report, Guttmacher, and the National Domestic Violence Hotline. This comprehensive approach ensured a thorough evaluation of each state’s health care system.
Additional Information
For those interested in learning more about the full study, additional details can be found through SmileHub’s resources. The report provides an in-depth look at the factors that contribute to women’s health care access and quality across the United States.
This research underscores the importance of continued efforts to improve health care accessibility and affordability for all women, regardless of where they live. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of different states, policymakers and health care providers can work together to create more equitable health outcomes for women nationwide.
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