🏆 Overall Health Excellence

Maryland consistently ranks among the top states for healthcare quality and access. According to multiple 2024 health rankings, Maryland ranks 4th in healthcare quality nationally and has achieved the lowest health insurance premiums in the United States at an average of $4,606 annually.

Maryland’s population of approximately 6.1 million benefits from excellent healthcare infrastructure, including world-renowned institutions like Johns Hopkins Hospital and the University of Maryland Medical System. The state’s life expectancy of 77.2 years is above the national average and represents one of the few states that saw improvement during the COVID-19 pandemic.

🏥 World-Class Healthcare Infrastructure

Maryland benefits from exceptional healthcare resources, including:

• Johns Hopkins Hospital – consistently ranked #1 or #2 nationally
• Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
• University of Maryland Medical System
• National Institutes of Health (NIH) headquarters in Bethesda
• High concentration of medical specialists and research facilities

📊 Superior Health Rankings

Maryland excels in multiple health categories:

• Lowest health insurance premiums in the nation ($4,606 vs national average of ~$8,000)
• 3rd lowest accidental death rate nationally
• 2nd lowest Alzheimer’s death rate
• 3rd lowest liver disease mortality
• 6th lowest chronic respiratory disease rate
• One of the safest states for workplace injuries

💊 Drug Overdose Challenge

Despite Maryland’s overall health excellence, the state faces a significant challenge with drug overdose deaths, ranking 4th highest nationally with approximately 35-38 deaths per 100,000 residents. This primarily involves:

• Fentanyl-related overdoses, particularly in Baltimore and surrounding areas
• Urban-rural disparities in treatment access
• Need for expanded medication-assisted treatment programs
• Ongoing efforts to increase naloxone availability

🚨 Urban Violence Concerns

Maryland’s homicide rate of approximately 10 per 100,000 residents ranks 8th highest nationally, largely driven by violence in Baltimore City. Key factors include:

• Baltimore’s elevated violent crime rate (1,859 per 100,000 – 4th highest among major cities)
• Ongoing community violence intervention programs
• Investment in social services and youth programs
• Coordination between law enforcement and public health approaches

⚠️ Life Insurance Considerations

While Maryland generally has excellent health outcomes, certain factors may affect life insurance applications. Residents in higher-risk areas or with specific health conditions should consider their options carefully. We at IBUSA often help Maryland applicants explore no-medical-exam life insurance options first.

Most Maryland residents qualify for excellent rates with top-rated life insurance companies due to the state’s superior healthcare infrastructure and generally healthy population.

Given Maryland’s elevated violent crime rates in certain areas, residents may benefit from supplemental accidental death coverage as additional protection.

Maryland Health Improvement Initiative

Maryland continues to lead in healthcare innovation and public health initiatives:

• Maryland Health Care Commission overseeing quality improvements
• Comprehensive opioid response strategy with federal partnerships
• Advanced maternal and infant health programs
• State-of-the-art medical research facilities and clinical trials
• Telehealth expansion and digital health initiatives
• All-payer model for hospital rate setting (first in the nation)

🏥 COVID-19 Recovery Success

Maryland was one of only 11 states that saw life expectancy increase during 2021 in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, rising from 76.8 to 77.2 years. This success was attributed to:

• Robust public health response and coordination
• High vaccination rates and early access
• Strong hospital system capacity and management
• Effective state-federal coordination through proximity to Washington, D.C.

🔬 Medical Research Leadership

Maryland’s position as a national leader in medical research contributes significantly to public health:

• Johns Hopkins researchers leading breakthrough medical discoveries
• NIH Clinical Center providing cutting-edge treatments
• University of Maryland’s organ transplant and shock trauma expertise
• High participation in clinical trials and research studies
• Advanced genomics and personalized medicine initiatives

Maryland’s health outlook remains highly positive due to:

• Continued healthcare leadership with top-tier medical institutions
• Economic advantages including proximity to federal government and biotech corridor
• Strong public health infrastructure and emergency preparedness
• Ongoing investment in medical research and innovation
• Comprehensive insurance coverage with the lowest premiums nationally
• Focus on health equity and addressing urban health challenges

While challenges remain with drug overdoses and urban violence, Maryland’s exceptional healthcare infrastructure and continued investment in public health position it to maintain its status as one of the healthiest states in the nation.

Data Sources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics, 2022-2024

Maryland Department of Health, Vital Statistics Annual Reports, 2021-2023

MoneyGeek Health Care Rankings, 2024

Commonwealth Fund State Health System Performance Rankings, 2025

March of Dimes, 2024 Report Card for Maryland

Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 2024

U.S. Census Bureau, Population Estimates, 2024

National Vital Statistics System, State Life Tables, 2021-2023

Maryland Health Care Commission Annual Reports, 2024

USAFacts Health Data Analysis, 2022-2024