WalletHub released its 2026 list of Best & Worst States for Children’s Health Care. The study compares all 50 states and Washington, DC, using 33 indicators of cost, access, and quality.
The metrics include the percentage of kids in excellent health, the number of pediatricians and family doctors per capita, and child death rates.
“The quality of children’s health care should be one of the most important considerations for parents when deciding where to live,” said WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo. “Having access to quality pediatric and dental care, nutritious food, and good spaces for recreation from a young age can give children a much better chance of growing up healthy and forming good habits that will last into their adult life.”
Massachusetts ranked No. 1 overall, holding its top spot from 2025. The state is bolstered by the lowest uninsured rate in the nation at just 1.6% and some of the country’s lowest infant and child death rates.
The Bay State also has the sixth-highest percentage of kids who had both a medical and a dental visit for preventive care in the past year.
“Access to preventive care helps children avoid serious medical issues and also minimizes costs for parents,” WalletHub financial writer Adam McCann wrote.
Connecticut climbed into the top three at No. 3 overall after placing ninth in 2025. The state is driven by strong access to pediatricians and family doctors, along with the highest share of young children receiving recommended vaccines.
The Constitution State was also tied for fourth in the smallest percentage of uninsured kids.
“The state’s dedication to child safety, well-being, and high-quality medical care is further evidenced by the fact that it has the lowest death rate for children under the age of 14,” wrote McCann.
New Jersey fell three spots to sixth overall. The Garden State continues to perform well in nutrition and physical activity, including having the lowest percentage of overweight children in the US.
Pennsylvania also slipped by three places to No. 7. The Keystone State still scores well for access to care and pediatric provider availability, along with one of the highest percentages of kids with excellent or very good teeth.
New York remained in eighth place, matching its 2025 ranking. The Empire State boasts one of the lowest shares of uninsured children and high rates of routine medical checkups.
Virginia rose three spots to 18th overall. The state has a solid number of pediatric providers, but posted lower scores in nutrition and physical activity categories.
Maryland ranked 19th overall, stumbling from 11th place in 2025. The Old Line State shows balanced performance in access to care and health outcomes, but falls behind in nutrition and obesity measures.
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wallethub.com