(Dover, DE – July 29, 2026) – Delaware has once again earned national recognition as one of the country’s top-performing states for hospital quality, according to the latest U.S. News & World Report “Best States” rankings. This year, the First State is ranked #2 for hospital quality.
“Delaware hospitals are consistently recognized nationally for top-notch clinical care, high performance, CMS 5-star ratings and specialized pediatric care. Patient-centered, hospital quality is not just a priority, it’s part of their day-to-day mission. This consistent ranking is a testament to the unwavering commitment of our hospitals, physicians, nurses, and healthcare professionals who deliver exceptional care 24/7/365 across our state. Looking ahead, Delaware hospitals will continue to lead the way in meeting our state’s growing healthcare needs and improving health outcomes, despite the significant headwinds they face. DHA looks forward to continued collaborative efforts with policymakers and the First State Health Leaders Alliance to make the First State First in Health,” said Brian Frazee, President & CEO of the Delaware Healthcare Association.
Released on July 28, the 2026 U.S. News & World Report 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 in healthcare quality and stayed consistent in the healthcare access categories. Here is a snapshot from the latest U.S. News & World Report:
- Delaware ranks #2 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.
- Delaware is ranked #4 for Healthcare Quality, up from #5, measured based on Medicare quality, hospital quality, nursing home quality, and preventable hospital admissions.
- Delaware is ranked #13 on the list of the best states for Healthcare generally, which is measured based on health care access, health care quality and public health outcomes.
- Delaware is ranked #10 for Healthcare Access, which looks at wellness visits and dental visits of adults and children as well as health insurance enrollment and affordability.
About the Delaware Healthcare Association
The Delaware Healthcare Association (DHA) advances health in Delaware through collaborative policies and partnerships. DHA represents the First State’s hospitals, health systems, and other healthcare-related organizations, which include all of Delaware’s acute care, post acute care, behavioral health, rehabilitation, and children’s hospitals. Our vision is to Make the First State First in Health.