[ST. PAUL, MN] - Governor Tim Walz today announced that Minnesota is ranked the third-best state in the nation for health care. WalletHub ranks states based on 44 indicators including cost, access, and health outcomes. This marks the third consecutive year Minnesota has ranked among the top three states.

“Minnesotans deserve access to the best care in the country. That means that doctors’ visits, prescription drugs, and emergency care shouldn’t break the bank, and families should have access to the very best doctors,” said Governor Walz. “We’ve worked to lower the cost of prescription drugs, stabilize health insurance costs, and lift the burden of medical debt. Alongside our world-renowned health care institutions, we will continue working to keep Minnesota at the top of this list, while making health care more affordable and accessible.”

U.S. News and World Report today announced that 12 Minnesota hospitals have been ranked among the nation’s best. The WalletHub report noted Minnesota offers the most convenient care clinics per capita and has the eighth-lowest average monthly insurance premiums. Minnesota also ranks among the top states for life expectancy, has the eighth-best public hospital system, and maintains one of the lowest maternal mortality rates in the country. On average, Minnesotans wait just 16 minutes to be seen in an emergency room.

Earlier this year, Governor Walz signed a bipartisan state budget that increased reimbursement rates for hospital visits and mental health care. Governor Walz has worked to improve transparency in prescription drug costs, make insulin more affordable for Minnesotans, and ease the burden of medical debt.