When it comes to tackling West Virginia’s challenges, health care is a big one. Study after study keeps showing us how far we still have to go. The good news? These numbers don’t have to be discouraging — they can also guide us toward change.
A recent WalletHub report ranked states by how much people spend on health care. Unsurprisingly, West Virginia landed near the top — third-highest in the nation. Only Louisiana and Mississippi spend a larger portion of their income on medical care. Maryland residents, on the other hand, spend the least.
Let’s break that down. In West Virginia, the average yearly health care cost is $783.81. That amounts to about 16.24% of a household’s monthly income. We rank 19th in the country for average cost of a doctor’s visit, and sixth for a visit to the eye doctor.
The real problem? Low incomes and high costs. West Virginia has the second-lowest median household income in the U.S., yet we’re paying above-average prices for many medical services. The one exception? The state has the lowest price in the country for the cholesterol drug Lipitor.
Experts recommend doing what we can to manage these costs. This includes:
- Getting insured
- Using preventive care
- Creating a budget
- Opening a Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Trying telehealth appointments
- Using a rewards credit card to offset medical expenses
But even with smart planning, many factors are outside our control.
Patrick Bernet, a health policy expert at Florida Atlantic University, points out that national economic uncertainty and reduced safety nets are making things worse.
“Real incomes are dropping due to stagnant wages and rising prices,” Bernet said. “That leaves households with even less money for health care.”
Jeff Helton, who leads health administration programs at CU Denver Business School, highlights another issue — advertising.
“Direct-to-consumer marketing of health services drives up costs,” Helton said. “New treatments are often more expensive without offering much extra benefit. But since they’re covered by insurance, patients tend to choose them because of flashy marketing.”
Doctors, now operating more like businesses, are also promoting these services to attract more patients — regardless of how effective the treatment actually is.
So what can we do?
Start by taking care of your health. Eat well, move more, get check-ups, and avoid unnecessary risks. But just as importantly, don’t be afraid to ask questions at the doctor’s office.
Ask:
- Is this treatment necessary?
- Is there a cheaper or generic option?
- What are the side effects?
- Is this test really needed?
You have the right to understand what you’re paying for — and why.
In a state where health care can take such a large chunk out of your income, being your own advocate isn’t just smart — it’s essential. Keeping both your body and your bank account in good shape starts with speaking up.
