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Kentucky

A collection of resources on health system performance in Kentucky.

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View of horses in Lexington, Kentucky

#40 in our 2023 State Rankings

The 2023 Scorecard on State Health System Performance identifies a range of health care system deficiencies, and how they have been exacerbated by the pandemic. See why Kentucky ranked #40 this year.

Read the Scorecard →

Featured Performance Indicators

8%

Uninsured adults
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444

Premature avoidable deaths per 100,000 population
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162

Potentially avoidable ED visits age 65 and older, per 1,000 Medicare beneficiaries
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Kentucky Performance Data

Show All Performance Areas
Access to Health Care
Children
Consumer Insurance and Medical Costs
Health Care System Spending
Health Insurance Coverage
Health Status and Outcomes
Health and Reproductive Care for Women
Hospital Safety and Quality
Mental Health
Older Adults
Outpatient Safety and Quality
Post-Acute Care and Long Term Care
Potentially Avoidable Care
Preventive and Well Care
Primary Health Care
Working Age Adults
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Access to Health Care

Access to Health Care
Indicator
Latest
U.S. Avg.
Adults who went without care because of cost
-
2023
11.7%
Adults with a usual source of care
-
2023
82.8%
Adults with any mental illness reporting unmet need
23%
2019-20
28%
Adults with any mental illness who did not receive treatment
52%
2019-20
55%
Adults without a dental visit
39.8%
2022
36.1%
Children who received needed mental health care
84.2%
2021-22
80.6%
Children with a medical and dental preventive care visit in the past year
64.7%
2021-22
64.4%
Children with a medical home
49.4%
2021-22
44.9%
Youth with depression who did not receive mental health services
75%
2019-20
60%

Children

Children
Indicator
Latest
U.S. Avg.
Children who are overweight or obese
38.2%
2021-22
32.7%
Children who received needed mental health care
84.2%
2021-22
80.6%
Children with a medical and dental preventive care visit in the past year
64.7%
2021-22
64.4%
Children with a medical home
49.4%
2021-22
44.9%
Children with all recommended vaccines
75%
2021
72%
Infant mortality per 1,000 live births
6.2
2021
5.4
Uninsured children
3.7%
2023
5.4%
Youth with depression who did not receive mental health services
75%
2019-20
60%
Consumer Insurance and Medical Costs
Consumer Insurance and Medical Costs
Indicator
Latest
The values below are from the most recent year or time period available for the indicator. Hover over the value to see the year or time period.
U.S. Avg.
Adults who went without care because of cost
-
2023
11.7%
Employee contribution to total premium cost for employer-sponsored health insurance plans
$4,526
2021
$4,967
Employee contribution to total premium cost for employer-sponsored health insurance plans, as a share of state median income
7%
2021
6.8%
Employee deductible for employer-sponsored health insurance plans
$3,463
2021
$3,371
Employee deductible for employer-sponsored health insurance plans, as a share of state median income
5.4%
2021
4.6%
Employee total potential out-of-pocket medical costs
$7,989
2021
$8,338
Employee total potential out-of-pocket medical costs, as a share of state median income
12.4%
2021
11.5%
Individuals with high out-of-pocket medical spending
11.9%
2021-22
10%
People with medical debt
17.1%
2021
12.6%
Total premium cost for employer-sponsored health insurance plans
$18,183
2021
$17,650
Total premium cost for employer-sponsored health insurance plans, as a share of state median income
28.3%
2021
24.2%
Health Care System Spending
Health Care System Spending
Indicator
Latest
The values below are from the most recent year or time period available for the indicator. Hover over the value to see the year or time period.
U.S. Avg.
Doctors' office visit employer-sponsored insurance spending per enrollee
$475
2021
$540
Doctors' office visit spending per Medicare beneficiary
$1,002
2021
$1,088
Home health spending per Medicare beneficiary
$520
2021
$518
Inpatient employer-sponsored insurance spending per enrollee
$1,276
2021
$1,512
Inpatient spending per Medicare beneficiary
$2,758
2021
$2,563
Primary care spending as share of total, age 65 and older
5.2%
2021
5.3%
Primary care spending as share of total, ages 18–64
6.7%
2021
6.9%
Primary care spending per beneficiary, age 65 and older
$573
2021
$621
Primary care spending per enrollee, ages 18–64
$528
2021
$558
Public health funding
$36
2019
$40
Skilled nursing facility spending per Medicare beneficiary
$1,026
2021
$821
Total employer-sponsored insurance spending per enrollee
$5,408
2021
$6,060
Total spending per Medicare beneficiary
$10,744
2021
$10,478
Health Insurance Coverage
Health Insurance Coverage
Indicator
Latest
The values below are from the most recent year or time period available for the indicator. Hover over the value to see the year or time period.
U.S. Avg.
Uninsured adults
8%
2023
11%
Uninsured children
3.7%
2023
5.4%
Uninsured women, during pregnancy
-
2021
2.6%
Uninsured women, pre-conception
-
2021
11.6%
Health Status and Outcomes
Health Status and Outcomes
Indicator
Latest
The values below are from the most recent year or time period available for the indicator. Hover over the value to see the year or time period.
U.S. Avg.
Adults who are obese
-
2023
33.7%
Adults who have lost six or more teeth
15.6%
2022
8.6%
Adults who report fair or poor health
-
2023
17.4%
Adults who smoke
-
2023
11.4%
Alcohol deaths per 100,000 population
12.6
2022
13.5
All-cause mortality rate per 100,000 women ages 15–44
176.3
2022
110.3
Breast cancer deaths per 100,000 female population
21.6
2022
18.8
Children who are overweight or obese
38.2%
2021-22
32.7%
Colorectal cancer deaths per 100,000 population
16.2
2022
13
Drug overdose deaths per 100,000 population
53.2
2022
32.6
Hospital 30-day mortality
12.7%
07/2018 - 06/2021
12.3%
Infant mortality per 1,000 live births
6.2
2021
5.4
Maternal mortality per 100,000 live births
31.4
2020-2022
26.3
Mortality amenable to health care, deaths per 100,000 population
115.1
2019-20
86.8
Premature avoidable deaths per 100,000 population
444.1
2020-21
320.8
Premature deaths from preventable causes per 100,000 population
324.8
2020-21
231.9
Premature deaths from treatable causes per 100,000 population
119.3
2020-21
88.8
Public health funding
$36
2019
$40
Suicide deaths per 100,000 population
18
2022
14.2
Health and Reproductive Care for Women
Health and Reproductive Care for Women
Indicator
Latest
The values below are from the most recent year or time period available for the indicator. Hover over the value to see the year or time period.
U.S. Avg.
Adult women who received a cervical cancer screening Pap test
76.9%
2020
75.8%
Adult women who received a mammogram
73.1%
2022
76.7%
Adult women who received a recommended cervical cancer screening test
79.7%
2022
82%
All-cause mortality rate per 100,000 women ages 15–44
176.3
2022
110.3
Breast cancer deaths per 100,000 female population
21.6
2022
18.8
Infant mortality per 1,000 live births
6.2
2021
5.4
Maternal mortality per 100,000 live births
31.4
2020-2022
26.3
No early prenatal care
21%
2022
23%
Preterm birth rate
11.7%
2022
10.4%
Recently pregnant women with a dental cleaning during pregnancy
-
2021
45%
Self-pay in-hospital births
2.5%
2022
2.9%
Uninsured women, during pregnancy
-
2021
2.6%
Uninsured women, pre-conception
-
2021
11.6%
Women experiencing intimate partner violence
-
2021
3.1%
Women who received a flu shot before or during pregnancy
-
2021
56.7%
Women who received a postpartum depression screening
-
2021
89.2%
Women with depression before or during pregnancy
-
2021
21.8%
Women with postpartum depression
-
2021
12.6%
Women without a postpartum checkup after birth
-
2021
9.1%
Hospital Safety and Quality
Hospital Safety and Quality
Indicator
Latest
The values below are from the most recent year or time period available for the indicator. Hover over the value to see the year or time period.
U.S. Avg.
Care Transition Preparedness (out of 100 points)
49
2021
49
Central line-associated blood stream infection (CLABSI), Standardized Infection Ratio
1.034
2021
0.921
Communication about medicines (out of 100 points)
60
2021
60
Communication with doctors (out of 100 points)
80
2021
78
Communication with nurses (out of 100 points)
79
2021
78
Hospital 30-day mortality
12.7%
07/2018 - 06/2021
12.3%
Hospital 30-day readmissions age 65 and older, per 1,000 Medicare beneficiaries
37.6
2021
33.1
Hospital 30-day readmissions ages 18–64, per 1,000 employer coverage enrollees
3
2021
2.9
Hospital discharge instructions for home recovery
85%
2021
86%
Hospital discharge planning and instructions for home recovery (out of 100 points)
86
2021
86
Hospitals with better-than-average patient experience ratings
42%
2021
45%
Patients' overall hospital experience (out of 100 points)
69
2021
70
Responsiveness of hospital staff (out of 100 points)
62
2021
61
Mental Health
Mental Health
Indicator
Latest
The values below are from the most recent year or time period available for the indicator. Hover over the value to see the year or time period.
U.S. Avg.
Adults with any mental illness reporting unmet need
23%
2019-20
28%
Adults with any mental illness who did not receive treatment
52%
2019-20
55%
Alcohol deaths per 100,000 population
12.6
2022
13.5
Antidepressant use and adherence for depression
46.7%
2021
38.2%
Children who received needed mental health care
84.2%
2021-22
80.6%
Drug overdose deaths per 100,000 population
53.2
2022
32.6
Suicide deaths per 100,000 population
18
2022
14.2
Women who received a postpartum depression screening
-
2021
89.2%
Women with depression before or during pregnancy
-
2021
21.8%
Women with postpartum depression
-
2021
12.6%
Youth with depression who did not receive mental health services
75%
2019-20
60%
Older Adults
Older Adults
Indicator
Latest
The values below are from the most recent year or time period available for the indicator. Hover over the value to see the year or time period.
U.S. Avg.
At risk adults with a recent check-up
-
2023
91.3%
Doctors' office visit spending per Medicare beneficiary
$1,002
2021
$1,088
Home health patients with a hospital admission
17%
2019
15%
Home health spending per Medicare beneficiary
$520
2021
$518
Hospital 30-day mortality
12.7%
07/2018 - 06/2021
12.3%
Hospital 30-day readmissions age 65 and older, per 1,000 Medicare beneficiaries
37.6
2021
33.1
Inpatient spending per Medicare beneficiary
$2,758
2021
$2,563
Long-stay nursing home residents with a hospital admission
18%
2020
17%
Older adults who received the pneumonia vaccine
-
2023
70.2%
Potentially avoidable ED visits age 65 and older, per 1,000 Medicare beneficiaries
161.5
2021
141.3
Preventable hospitalizations age 65 and older, per 1,000 Medicare beneficiaries
37.9
2021
28.6
Primary care spending as share of total, age 65 and older
5.2%
2021
5.3%
Primary care spending per beneficiary, age 65 and older
$573
2021
$621
Short-stay nursing home residents with a 30-day readmission to the hospital
21%
2020
18%
Skilled nursing facility spending per Medicare beneficiary
$1,026
2021
$821
Skilled nursing patients with a successful discharge
55%
2020
57%
Total spending per Medicare beneficiary
$10,744
2021
$10,478
Outpatient Safety and Quality
Outpatient Safety and Quality
Indicator
Latest
The values below are from the most recent year or time period available for the indicator. Hover over the value to see the year or time period.
U.S. Avg.
Adults with low back pain with an imaging study at diagnosis
70.4%
2021
69.1%
Appropriate antibiotic among adults with bacterial pneumonia
49.7%
2021
44.3%
Post-Acute Care and Long Term Care
Post-Acute Care and Long Term Care
Indicator
Latest
The values below are from the most recent year or time period available for the indicator. Hover over the value to see the year or time period.
U.S. Avg.
Home health patients whose wounds healed after an operation
92%
2019
92%
Home health patients with a hospital admission
17%
2019
15%
Home health patients with improved mobility
83%
2019
80%
Home health spending per Medicare beneficiary
$520
2021
$518
Long-stay nursing home residents with a hospital admission
18%
2020
17%
Nursing home residents with an antipsychotic medication
16.5%
2020
14.4%
Nursing home residents with pressure sores
5.9%
2017
5.6%
Short-stay nursing home residents with a 30-day readmission to the hospital
21%
2020
18%
Skilled nursing facility spending per Medicare beneficiary
$1,026
2021
$821
Skilled nursing patients with a successful discharge
55%
2020
57%
Potentially Avoidable Care
Potentially Avoidable Care
Indicator
Latest
The values below are from the most recent year or time period available for the indicator. Hover over the value to see the year or time period.
U.S. Avg.
Adults with low back pain with an imaging study at diagnosis
70.4%
2021
69.1%
Hospital 30-day readmissions age 65 and older, per 1,000 Medicare beneficiaries
37.6
2021
33.1
Hospital 30-day readmissions ages 18–64, per 1,000 employer coverage enrollees
3
2021
2.9
Potentially avoidable ED visits age 65 and older, per 1,000 Medicare beneficiaries
161.5
2021
141.3
Potentially avoidable ED visits ages 18–64, per 1,000 employer coverage enrollees
122.5
2021
133.9
Preventable hospitalizations age 65 and older, per 1,000 Medicare beneficiaries
37.9
2021
28.6
Preventable hospitalizations ages 18–64, per 1,000 employer coverage enrollees
3.9
2021
4.4
Preventive and Well Care
Preventive and Well Care
Indicator
Latest
The values below are from the most recent year or time period available for the indicator. Hover over the value to see the year or time period.
U.S. Avg.
Adult women who received a cervical cancer screening Pap test
76.9%
2020
75.8%
Adult women who received a mammogram
73.1%
2022
76.7%
Adult women who received a recommended cervical cancer screening test
79.7%
2022
82%
Adults ages 45–74 who received a colon cancer screening test
64%
2022
59.5%
Adults who received a colon cancer screening test
75.4%
2020
72.4%
Adults with a recent flu shot
-
2023
42.2%
Adults with age- and gender-appropriate cancer screenings
70.4%
2020
68.8%
Adults with age- and gender-appropriate cancer screenings (2022 update)
66.4%
2022
64.6%
Adults with age-appropriate vaccines
-
2023
39.3%
Adults without a dental visit
39.8%
2022
36.1%
At risk adults with a recent check-up
-
2023
91.3%
Children with a medical and dental preventive care visit in the past year
64.7%
2021-22
64.4%
Children with all recommended vaccines
75%
2021
72%
Diabetic adults with an annual hemoglobin A1c test
93.1%
2021
90.1%
Diabetic adults with an annual LDL-C test
79.3%
2021
79.3%
Older adults who received the pneumonia vaccine
-
2023
70.2%
Premature avoidable deaths per 100,000 population
444.1
2020-21
320.8
Premature deaths from preventable causes per 100,000 population
324.8
2020-21
231.9
Premature deaths from treatable causes per 100,000 population
119.3
2020-21
88.8
Primary care spending as share of total, age 65 and older
5.2%
2021
5.3%
Primary care spending as share of total, ages 18–64
6.7%
2021
6.9%
Primary care spending per beneficiary, age 65 and older
$573
2021
$621
Primary care spending per enrollee, ages 18–64
$528
2021
$558
Public health funding
$36
2019
$40
Primary Health Care
Primary Health Care
Indicator
Latest
The values below are from the most recent year or time period available for the indicator. Hover over the value to see the year or time period.
U.S. Avg.
Adult women who received a cervical cancer screening Pap test
76.9%
2020
75.8%
Adult women who received a mammogram
73.1%
2022
76.7%
Adults who received a colon cancer screening test
75.4%
2020
72.4%
Adults with a usual source of care
-
2023
82.8%
Adults with age- and gender-appropriate cancer screenings
70.4%
2020
68.8%
Adults with age- and gender-appropriate cancer screenings (2022 update)
66.4%
2022
64.6%
Adults with age-appropriate vaccines
-
2023
39.3%
At risk adults with a recent check-up
-
2023
91.3%
Children with a medical and dental preventive care visit in the past year
64.7%
2021-22
64.4%
Children with a medical home
49.4%
2021-22
44.9%
Children with all recommended vaccines
75%
2021
72%
Diabetic adults with an annual hemoglobin A1c test
93.1%
2021
90.1%
Diabetic adults with an annual LDL-C test
79.3%
2021
79.3%
Doctors' office visit employer-sponsored insurance spending per enrollee
$475
2021
$540
Doctors' office visit spending per Medicare beneficiary
$1,002
2021
$1,088
Mortality amenable to health care, deaths per 100,000 population
115.1
2019-20
86.8
Older adults who received the pneumonia vaccine
-
2023
70.2%
Premature avoidable deaths per 100,000 population
444.1
2020-21
320.8
Premature deaths from preventable causes per 100,000 population
324.8
2020-21
231.9
Premature deaths from treatable causes per 100,000 population
119.3
2020-21
88.8
Primary care spending as share of total, age 65 and older
5.2%
2021
5.3%
Primary care spending as share of total, ages 18–64
6.7%
2021
6.9%
Primary care spending per beneficiary, age 65 and older
$573
2021
$621
Primary care spending per enrollee, ages 18–64
$528
2021
$558
Working Age Adults
Working Age Adults
Indicator
Latest
The values below are from the most recent year or time period available for the indicator. Hover over the value to see the year or time period.
U.S. Avg.
Adults who are obese
-
2023
33.7%
Adults who have lost six or more teeth
15.6%
2022
8.6%
Adults with low back pain with an imaging study at diagnosis
70.4%
2021
69.1%
Antidepressant use and adherence for depression
46.7%
2021
38.2%
Appropriate antibiotic among adults with bacterial pneumonia
49.7%
2021
44.3%
Diabetic adults with an annual hemoglobin A1c test
93.1%
2021
90.1%
Diabetic adults with an annual LDL-C test
79.3%
2021
79.3%
Doctors' office visit employer-sponsored insurance spending per enrollee
$475
2021
$540
Employee contribution to total premium cost for employer-sponsored health insurance plans
$4,526
2021
$4,967
Employee contribution to total premium cost for employer-sponsored health insurance plans, as a share of state median income
7%
2021
6.8%
Employee deductible for employer-sponsored health insurance plans
$3,463
2021
$3,371
Employee deductible for employer-sponsored health insurance plans, as a share of state median income
5.4%
2021
4.6%
Employee total potential out-of-pocket medical costs
$7,989
2021
$8,338
Employee total potential out-of-pocket medical costs, as a share of state median income
12.4%
2021
11.5%
Hospital 30-day readmissions ages 18–64, per 1,000 employer coverage enrollees
3
2021
2.9
Inpatient employer-sponsored insurance spending per enrollee
$1,276
2021
$1,512
Potentially avoidable ED visits ages 18–64, per 1,000 employer coverage enrollees
122.5
2021
133.9
Preventable hospitalizations ages 18–64, per 1,000 employer coverage enrollees
3.9
2021
4.4
Primary care spending as share of total, ages 18–64
6.7%
2021
6.9%
Primary care spending per enrollee, ages 18–64
$528
2021
$558
Total employer-sponsored insurance spending per enrollee
$5,408
2021
$6,060
Total premium cost for employer-sponsored health insurance plans
$18,183
2021
$17,650
Total premium cost for employer-sponsored health insurance plans, as a share of state median income
28.3%
2021
24.2%
Uninsured adults
8%
2023
11%
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Kentucky Policy Information

Policy
Status
Medicaid Expansion Status

Traditionally expanded Medicaid (33 states + DC)

Health Insurance Marketplace Type

State-based marketplace (17 plus DC)

Public Coverage Options

Has not established a public coverage option

ACA Non-compliant Short-term Plans

Does not limit the sale of short-term coverage more strictly than the federal government

ACA Non-compliant Transitional Plans

Permits non-compliant transitional policies

Annual Open Enrollment Period Extensions

Extended 2022 open enrollment

Health Coverage Subsidies

Provides no additional premium or cost-sharing subsidies

Other ACA Non-compliant Plans

Does not exempt other coverage from insurance rules

Promotion of ACA Marketplace Competition

No rules to promote marketplace competition

Standardized Individual Market Plans

Does not require standardized cost-sharing plan design

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Kentucky Key Demographics

4.4M
Total Population
$61.2K
Median Household Income
35%
Below 200% of Federal Poverty Level (FPL)
82%
% White race, non-Hispanic
7%
% Black race, non-Hispanic
5%
% Hispanic ethnicity
1%
% Asian American, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander race, non-Hispanic
< 1%
% American Indian or Alaska Native race, non-Hispanic