The foundation has been analyzing the nation's health care system for nearly 20 years.
The 2024 report, released Thursday, measured each state on 25 health indicators related to access to care, quality and use of services, and health outcomes.
The report looked at five populations: Black, White, Hispanic, American Indian/Alaska Native (AIAN), and Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI).
North Carolina had the highest health outcomes scores for its white population, ranking in the 82nd percentile compared to other states.
AIAN had the second best result. The population ranked in the 71st percentile.
Blacks ranked third at the 40th percentile, followed by AIANs at the 28th percentile.
North Carolina's AIAN population fared better than other states, despite ranking second lowest among states. The state ranked 1st out of 10 states eligible for calculation.
North Carolina's Hispanic population had the lowest overall health care system performance. This group ranked in the 13th percentile.
The study further highlighted health disparities among the Hispanic population, finding that 20% of Hispanic adults reported not receiving health care due to lack of insurance.
Compared to 47 states with large Hispanic populations, North Carolina's health care system ranks 37th.
The Commonwealth Fund's David Radley called the findings “an eye-opening report”.
“Access to primary care tends to be lower in areas with high concentrations of African Americans and Hispanics. To improve access to primary care and strengthen primary care systems in these areas, “Everything we can do will help,” he said.
This study focused on North Carolina's Medicaid efforts on the same front. He used the state's future payment model as an example of what other states can do to strengthen access to primary care.
One of the indicators analyzed in this study was early death. These are defined as deaths under the age of 75 from conditions that are considered preventable.
The report showed that nationally, blacks are more likely to die from avoidable causes than AANHPI, Hispanics, and whites.
Average early mortality rates were lowest among AANPI communities.
WRAL previously spoke with UNC Health cardiologist Dr. Christopher Kelly about early mortality rates in North Carolina.
Cardiologists explained that the state is seeing an 11% increase in premature deaths due to an increase in sedentary lifestyles.
“There's a lot going on in North Carolina and I love living here, but unfortunately a healthy lifestyle is a little less common here than in other parts of the country. “Many people spend more time in their cars than getting up and exercising,” Kelly says. “I love barbecue and fried foods, and while they're delicious, they're not good for your heart.”
Mr Kelly said eating less takeout, reducing screen time and spending more time outdoors can all help lower the risk of a range of illnesses often associated with premature death.
