Since arthritis is so common — nearly one in four Americans have some form of arthritis — you might assume that you can find decent care and support for it almost anywhere in the country. But the reality, according to a new report from the American College of Rheumatology (ACR), is quite different.
The 2018 Rheumatic Disease Report Card, the first report of its kind, graded all 50 states and Washington, D.C., based on how livable they are for people with rheumatic diseases (which includes arthritis as well as other conditions that impact the joints, bones, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and muscles).
To determine the ratings, ACR considered three key factors: access (is rheumatologic care widely available?); affordability (how expensive is it to live with a rheumatic disease?); and activity/lifestyle (how easy is it to be active with a rheumatic disease?).
Only one state, Maryland, got an overall grade of “A.”
New York, Vermont, Colorado, and Connecticut merited “Bs” but also made the top five list.
Most states earned a “B” or “C,” but two states (Alabama and Oklahoma) received a “D.”
South Carolina, Wyoming, and Mississippi managed to get “Cs,” but were also in the bottom five states.
What Makes Maryland So Special?
According to the report’s authors, Maryland scored the highest marks for the best state to live in with Arthritis because it has a very high concentration of rheumatologists and a low rate of residents without health insurance.
It also boasts many CDC-funded arthritis intervention programs, including those run by the YMCA and the National Recreation and Park Association. Part of these perks come thanks to legislation that’s made it easier and more affordable to live with a rheumatic disease in the state of Maryland.
The Best States to Live In with a Rheumatic Disease
In alphabetical order:
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Hawaii
Illinois
Maryland (The only state to get an “A”)
Minnesota
Montana
Nebraska
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New York
Vermont
Virginia
Wisconsin
The Worst States to Live In with a Rheumatic Disease
In alphabetical order:
Alabama (One of two states to get a “D”)
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
Delaware
District of Columbia
Florida
Georgia
Idaho
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Massachusetts
Michigan
Mississippi
Missouri
Nevada
New Mexico
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma (One of two states to get a “D”)
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Washington
West Virginia
Wyoming
Download the full report to get more info about how your state fared in specific areas (access, affordability, and activity/lifestyle).
Want to Improve Access to Health Care in Your State?
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I got arthritis I live in Roosevelt Utah and I hurt every day don’t move here
North .Iowa sucks bad especially in the winter
Thank you. I moved to Oregon from California and I regret it. I briefly lived in coastal Washington where it was worse.
North .Iowa sucks bad especially in the winter
Maryland? I live here. The weather sucks. Cold, wet winters. Humid, often and lately wet summers. I only feel well june through early October at best. I have osteoarthritis in both knees. I have health insurance through my employer and have yet to find a doctor to help or even begin to understand my pain during certain times of the year..literally been laughed at! When I mention that unpredictable, temperature and pressure changes are suspect to my pain levels. Last I was told, consider moving to consistently warm, preferably drier climate. Not staying in maryland!!
I agree I also live in Maryland and hurt 80 -90% of the year. I have a dehumidifier for my room which helps somewhat. As soon as I can I want to leave this horrible state as soon as possible. If you have osteoarthritis don’t move here. The weather here sucks.
I moved from CA to MA a couple years ago. Since moving here, I experience fibromyalgia symptoms. I’m 44, very active, very healthy, with two young kids. I feel best during the winter (even tho my circulation suffers). In spring, my tendons hurt so badly, I can’t turn the steering wheel without feeling like I banged my funny bone. I wake with pain, esp in my shoulders. The yearly cycles of light and dark effecting large hormone swings, ubiquitous mold and barometric changes aren’t worth the lovely community here. I can’t believe people sacrifice their health to stay. CA is nuts expensive, but your body won’t hurt. I’m moving back next month.
Have severe degenerative disc disease and spinal stenosis and had spinal cord compression surgery last year. Have lived in Florida a long time and this heat and humidity is the worst!! Also find the always changing barometric pressure adds to my pain..After xrays of my entire body the Doc told me I need to keep moving or l am going to be in a wheelchair…Have a pool but too many daily storms to get in it!!😞