10 worst states for healthcare access

Despite the passage of the Affordable Care Act in 2010, access to healthcare remains a challenge for U.S. residents in many parts of the country.

Using data from Kaiser Family Foundation, HealthGrove ranked the 25 worst states for healthcare access.

Researchers broke healthcare access into its fundamental, measurable components by compiling data on physician density, dentist density, percent of residents insured, percent of metal health needs met and the number of staffed hospitals per capita.

The study found states with  larger rural populations tended to have worse access. Conservative states also tended to have worse access, as these states were less likely to have expanded Medicaid programs under the ACA.

Below are the 10 states with the most limited access to care.

1. Georgia
2. Texas
3. Idaho
4. Oklahoma
5. New Mexico
6. Montana
7. Arizona
8. Alaska
9. Nevada
10. Indiana