People in these states spend the most on health care

Americans are spending more than ever on out-of-pocket health care costs, and depending on where you live, health care spending could average nearly 20% of household income. 

A new WalletHub analysis looked at the costs of doctor, dentist and optometrist visits, plus the prices of ibuprofen and lipitor, in all 50 states to see which states spend the most – and least – on health care. Nationwide, out-of-pocket health care costs have risen from an average of $763 a year to $1,425 a year over the past two decades, which outpaces inflation. 

What they're saying:

"Sharp increases in health care costs in recent years have made it difficult for some people to seek essential care," WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo said in a statement. "Even in states with lower-than-average health care prices, residents’ incomes may not be enough to keep up with the cost, especially since virtually every part of Americans’ budgets have been impacted by inflation over the past few years."

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States where people spend the most on health care

By the numbers:

Not surprisingly, people in the nation’s poorest states tend to spend the most on health care, the analysis shows. 

Mississippi topped the list, with residents spending 18.66% of their median household income on health care costs. 

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The main reason people spend more on health care in Mississippi is because of low wages. The state’s average income is $54,915, the lowest average in the country, "so even without extremely expensive health care prices, Mississippians still outspend people in other states when you adjust for income."

Here are the top 10 states where people spend the most on health care: 

1. Mississippi: 18.66%
2. Louisiana: 17.82%
3. West Virginia: 16.24%
4. Arkansas: 16.23%
5. Oklahoma: 16.11%
6. New Mexico: 15.78%
7. Alaska: 15.65%
8. North Carolina: 15.37%
9. Alabama: 15.10%
10. Kansas: 14.77%

States where people spend the least on health care 

By the numbers:

Conversely, people in higher income states spend less of their earnings on health care, WalletHub found. Maryland residents spend the least on health care, at just over 9%.

Here are the 10 states where people spend the least on health care: 

1. Maryland: 9.03%
2. New Jersey: 9.40%
3. Massachusetts: 10%
4. Connecticut: 10.72%
5. Rhode Island: 10.91%
6. Colorado: 11.14%
7. Virginia: 11.17%
8. New Hampshire: 11.41%
9. California: 11.43%
10. Utah: 11.60%

How can you reduce health care costs? 

What you can do:

Jeff Helton, the academic director of health administration programs at the University of Colorado Denver Business School, told WalletHub that the best way to save on health care costs is with a healthy lifestyle – eating a balanced diet, drinking plenty of water, getting enough sleep and exercising regularly. 

"Just those few easy things can prevent the expensive health care that comes up when you ‘let yourself go,’" he said. 

When you do find yourself in need of a doctor or hospital, Helton said be sure to check with your insurance first and make sure the doctor, hospital, labs, and tests ordered are covered by your plan. 

"If you can, get a regular checkup - prevention is the best medicine for keeping your health care costs under control," he said.