The greatest health strengths and challenges in Maine

The recently released “America’s Health Rankings 2022 Annual Report” uncovered several health strengths and challenges in Maine.

Jan. 4, 2023

Maine is ranked 12th in the country for overall health – an improvement from a ranking of 21 in 2019¹ – according to America’s Health Rankings 2022 Annual Report. Below is a summary of the positive and negative factors that contributed to this ranking.²

Maine health strengths

Low racial disparity in premature death rates
High prevalence of having a dedicated health care provider
Low levels of air pollution
42% decrease in food insecurity from 16.5% to 9.5% of households between 2014 and 2016, as well as 2019 and 2021
29% decrease in uninsured from 8% to 5.7% of the population between 2019 and 2021

Maine health challenges

High prevalence of multiple chronic conditions
High Black/white residential segregation
High prevalence of physical inactivity
21% increase in frequent mental distress from 12.6% to 15.2% of adults between 2020 and 2021

What this means for employers

Employers who do business or have employees living in the state of Maine may want to consider programs or benefits that can help support their employee population and guide them to better health decisions.

Learn more about the factors impacting the health of Maine.

The real people behind these numbers are what make the work ahead so critically important. Despite the challenges ahead, I remain optimistic that the health system can rise to the moment to address long-standing disparities and improve the health and well-being of all Americans, for this generation and the next.

— Patricia L. Lewis, Chief Sustainability Officer at UnitedHealth Group

View the Maine state summary (pdf)

Breaking down the findings from America’s Health Rankings 2022 Annual Report

The latest findings highlight some of the greatest health challenges and strengths across the nation, with racial and ethnic disparities coming into sharp focus.