The state of Hawaiʻi has once again demonstrated its prowess in health care by securing the second spot in the 2025 Scorecard on State Health System Performance. According to the State of Hawaii, Department of Health , recently released rankings by The Commonwealth Fund on June 18, Hawaiʻi earned high marks in domains like access to care, health outcomes, and equity. The scorecard evaluated all 50 states and the District of Columbia on a set of 50 indicators, with data collated up to the year 2023.
Hawaiʻi was recognized for strong performance in several healthcare categories, including access and affordability. The state reported high insurance coverage rates, low out-of-pocket costs, and consistent access to services such as dental care. It also ranked among the top states for limiting avoidable hospital and emergency room visits, with low 30-day readmission rates and healthcare spending that supports primary care.
"This year's report is an affirmation of the incredible work being done by health care providers, public health professionals, and community partners statewide," Dr. Kenneth Fink, Director of the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health, told the publication. He added, "It's also a reflection of our values as a community and years of collective effort to expand healthcare coverage, strengthen primary care, invest in preventive services, and promote health equity."
Despite Hawaiʻi's generally strong scores across the board, challenges were highlighted in the report. Of these, vaccinations stood out with a noted decrease in the uptake of flu and pneumonia vaccines by adults, as well as a drop in vaccination rates among children in low-income households. Moreover, there seemed to be a lower percentage of children having a 'medical home' and a worrying uptick in children not receiving needed mental health care, emerging as areas in need of improvement.
Hawaiʻi has consistently ranked highly in national health and well-being studies, including the Gallup National Health and Well-Being Index and America's Health Rankings. Its recent performance on the Commonwealth Fund scorecard reflects continued strength in areas such as preventable deaths, substance use, mental health, and racial and ethnic equity, placing the state among the top performers in the nation.
