(Dover, DE – May 8, 2025) – The First State is first in the nation for hospital quality, according to the latest U.S. News & World Report “Best States” rankings. Delaware took the top spot this year, moving up from #2 in 2024.
“Delaware hospitals are proud to be first in hospital quality. Our members innovate and invest in high-quality care daily in our goal to improve healthcare access and outcomes. While our foundation is strong, we can’t let the HB 350 hospital-control law bulldoze our progress. We’ve seen the disastrous consequences when states control hospital budgets. The failed Vermont experiment that inspired HB 350 is not working and has led to Vermont having the highest health insurance premium costs in the country. Vermont ranks #35 in hospital quality while Delaware ranks #1. Vermont still has some of the highest healthcare costs in the nation while most hospitals are operating at a loss, cutting jobs and services, and several are on the verge of closing, which is why no other state in the country is looking to them for advice on healthcare policy. This is the moment to stand up for Delaware and demand real solutions that support a strong healthcare workforce and access to quality care for our uniquely aging and growing state. We look forward to working with all stakeholders to build on our progress and strengthen healthcare access, quality, and outcomes and make the First State First in Health,” said Brian Frazee, President & CEO of the Delaware Healthcare Association.
Released on May 6, the U.S. News & World Report 2025 rankings assess state performance using 71 metrics across eight categories and include input from tens of thousands of people. This year, Delaware’s rankings improved on both hospital and health care quality, signaling progress and commitment to care. Here is a snapshot from the latest U.S. News & World Report:
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Delaware ranks #1 for Hospital Quality, a measure of hospital success in performing or treating various procedures and conditions, such as cancer surgeries, organ failure, joint replacement and more.
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Delaware is ranked #5 for Health Care Quality, up from #6, measured based on Medicare quality, hospital quality, nursing home quality, and preventable hospital admissions.
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Delaware is ranked #10 on the list of the best states for Health Care generally, which is measured based on health care access, health care quality and public health outcomes.
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Delaware is ranked #10 for Health Care Access, which looks at wellness visits and dental visits of adults and children as well as health insurance enrollment and affordability.
“Our hospitals’ dedication to providing the highest quality care is unwavering. Delaware is also home to hospitals that are CMS five star rated, named a World’s Best Hospital by Newsweek, and best Regional Hospitals by U.S. News & World Report. Our state also ranked in the top 10 among states for patient safety, according to Leapfrog,” added Frazee.
About the Delaware Healthcare Association
The Delaware Healthcare Association (DHA) was formed in 1967 and is a statewide trade and membership services organization that represents and serves hospitals, health systems, and related healthcare organizations in their role of providing a continuum of appropriate, cost-effective, quality care to improve the health of the people of Delaware. DHA’s mission is to provide policy and advocacy leadership in creating an excellent environment to support our members in helping every Delawarean to be as healthy as they can be.