Story perspectives

New Hampshire Named Healthiest State; Louisiana Struggles Again

1/22/2026

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Summary

Story summary

New Hampshire is ranked healthiest state in the UnitedHealth Foundation’s report, followed by Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut, and Utah.
Louisiana is the least healthy state for the fourth consecutive year, due to economic hardship, a high homicide rate, increased health care avoidance, and climate-change health impacts.
The report records national health gains, including a 10% decrease in physical inactivity and a 15% increase in cancer screenings.

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Story summary

New Hampshire is ranked healthiest state in the UnitedHealth Foundation’s report, followed by Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut, and Utah.
Louisiana is the least healthy state for the fourth consecutive year, due to economic hardship, a high homicide rate, increased health care avoidance, and climate-change health impacts.
The report records national health gains, including a 10% decrease in physical inactivity and a 15% increase in cancer screenings.