District of Columbia

A collection of resources on health system performance in District of Columbia.

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View of the Capitol Building in District of Columbia

#13 District of Columbia's 2022 Rank

The 2022 Scorecard on State Health System Performance identifies a range of health care system deficiencies, and how they have been exacerbated by the pandemic. See why the District of Columbia ranked #13 this year.

Read the Scorecard →

District of Columbia Performance Data

Show All Performance Areas
Access to Health Care
Children
Consumer Insurance and Medical Costs
Health Care System Spending
Health Insurance Coverage
Health Status and Outcomes
Hospital Safety and Quality
Mental Health
Older Adults
Outpatient Safety and Quality
Post-Acute Care and Long Term Care
Potentially Avoidable Care
Preventive and Well Care
Primary Health Care
Reproductive Care and Women’s Health
Working Age Adults
No results for

Access to Health Care

Access to Health Care
Indicator
Latest
U.S. Avg.
Adults who went without care because of cost
6.6%
2021
10%
Adults with a usual source of care
85.5%
2021
83.2%
Adults with any mental illness reporting unmet need
32%
2019-20
28%
Adults with any mental illness who did not receive treatment
56%
2019-20
55%
Adults without a dental visit
32.2%
2020
35.3%
Children who received needed mental health care
75.4%
2020-21
80.1%
72.8%
2020-21
62%
Children with a medical home
44.1%
2020-21
46%
Youth with depression who did not receive mental health services
33%
2019-20
60%

Children

Children
Indicator
Latest
U.S. Avg.
Children who are overweight or obese
32.9%
2020-21
33.5%
Children who received needed mental health care
75.4%
2020-21
80.1%
72.8%
2020-21
62%
Children with a medical home
44.1%
2020-21
46%
Children with all recommended vaccines
72%
2021
72%
Infant mortality per 1,000 live births
5.2
2020
5.4
Uninsured children
4.1%
2021
5.4%
Youth with depression who did not receive mental health services
33%
2019-20
60%
Consumer Insurance and Medical Costs
Consumer Insurance and Medical Costs
Indicator
Latest
The values below are from the most recent year or time period available for the indicator. Hover over the value to see the year or time period.
U.S. Avg.
Adults who went without care because of cost
6.6%
2021
10%
Employee contribution to total premium cost for employer-sponsored health insurance plans
$4,414
2021
$4,967
Employee deductible for employer-sponsored health insurance plans
$2,211
2021
$3,371
2.4%
2021
4.6%
Employee total potential out-of-pocket medical costs
$6,625
2021
$8,338
Employee total potential out-of-pocket medical costs, as a share of state median income
7.1%
2021
11.5%
Individuals with high out-of-pocket medical spending
5.5%
2020-21
7.3%
People with medical debt
6.1%
2021
12.6%
Total premium cost for employer-sponsored health insurance plans
$16,833
2021
$17,650
18.1%
2021
24.2%
Health Care System Spending
Health Care System Spending
Indicator
Latest
The values below are from the most recent year or time period available for the indicator. Hover over the value to see the year or time period.
U.S. Avg.
Doctors' office visit employer-sponsored insurance spending per enrollee
-
2021
$540
Doctors' office visit spending per Medicare beneficiary
$1,230
2021
$1,088
Home health spending per Medicare beneficiary
$363
2021
$518
Inpatient employer-sponsored insurance spending per enrollee
-
2021
$1,512
Inpatient spending per Medicare beneficiary
$2,877
2021
$2,563
Primary care spending as share of total, age 65 and older
4.8%
2020
5.5%
Primary care spending as share of total, ages 18–64
-
2021
6.9%
Primary care spending per beneficiary, age 65 and older
$639
2020
$702
Primary care spending per enrollee, ages 18–64
-
2021
$558
Public health funding
$366
2019
$40
Skilled nursing facility spending per Medicare beneficiary
$998
2021
$821
Total employer-sponsored insurance spending per enrollee
-
2021
$6,060
Total spending per Medicare beneficiary
$10,262
2021
$10,478
Health Insurance Coverage
Health Insurance Coverage
Indicator
Latest
The values below are from the most recent year or time period available for the indicator. Hover over the value to see the year or time period.
U.S. Avg.
Uninsured adults
4.3%
2021
12.1%
Uninsured children
4.1%
2021
5.4%
Health Status and Outcomes
Health Status and Outcomes
Indicator
Latest
The values below are from the most recent year or time period available for the indicator. Hover over the value to see the year or time period.
U.S. Avg.
Adults who are obese
24.8%
2021
34.1%
Adults who have lost six or more teeth
5.1%
2020
8.5%
Adults who report fair or poor health
12.2%
2021
14.2%
Adults who smoke
9.6%
2021
13.5%
Alcohol deaths per 100,000 population
14.8
2021
14.4
Breast cancer deaths per 100,000 female population
22.1
2021
19.4
Children who are overweight or obese
32.9%
2020-21
33.5%
Colorectal cancer deaths per 100,000 population
14
2021
13.4
Drug overdose deaths per 100,000 population
63.6
2021
32.4
Hospital 30-day mortality
11.3%
07/2018 - 06/2021
12.3%
Infant mortality per 1,000 live births
5.2
2020
5.4
Maternal mortality per 100,000 live births
-
2019-2021
25.6
Mortality amenable to health care, deaths per 100,000 population
114.8
2019-20
86.8
Premature avoidable deaths per 100,000 population
432.1
2020-21
320.8
Premature deaths from preventable causes per 100,000 population
310.9
2020-21
231.9
Premature deaths from treatable causes per 100,000 population
121.2
2020-21
88.8
Public health funding
$366
2019
$40
Suicide deaths per 100,000 population
6.2
2021
14.1
Hospital Safety and Quality
Hospital Safety and Quality
Indicator
Latest
The values below are from the most recent year or time period available for the indicator. Hover over the value to see the year or time period.
U.S. Avg.
48
2021
49
Central line-associated blood stream infection (CLABSI), Standardized Infection Ratio
0.808
2021
0.921
58
2021
60
77
2021
78
72
2021
78
Hospital 30-day mortality
11.3%
07/2018 - 06/2021
12.3%
Hospital 30-day readmissions age 65 and older, per 1,000 Medicare beneficiaries
38.5
2021
33.1
Hospital 30-day readmissions ages 18–64, per 1,000 employer coverage enrollees
-
2021
2.9
83%
2021
86%
Mental Health
Mental Health
Indicator
Latest
The values below are from the most recent year or time period available for the indicator. Hover over the value to see the year or time period.
U.S. Avg.
Adults with any mental illness reporting unmet need
32%
2019-20
28%
Adults with any mental illness who did not receive treatment
56%
2019-20
55%
Alcohol deaths per 100,000 population
14.8
2021
14.4
Antidepressant use and adherence for depression
-
2021
38.2%
Children who received needed mental health care
75.4%
2020-21
80.1%
Drug overdose deaths per 100,000 population
63.6
2021
32.4
Suicide deaths per 100,000 population
6.2
2021
14.1
Youth with depression who did not receive mental health services
33%
2019-20
60%
Older Adults
Older Adults
Indicator
Latest
The values below are from the most recent year or time period available for the indicator. Hover over the value to see the year or time period.
U.S. Avg.
At risk adults with a recent check-up
92.8%
2021
91.3%
Doctors' office visit spending per Medicare beneficiary
$1,230
2021
$1,088
Home health patients with a hospital admission
15%
2019
15%
Home health spending per Medicare beneficiary
$363
2021
$518
Hospital 30-day mortality
11.3%
07/2018 - 06/2021
12.3%
Hospital 30-day readmissions age 65 and older, per 1,000 Medicare beneficiaries
38.5
2021
33.1
Inpatient spending per Medicare beneficiary
$2,877
2021
$2,563
15%
2020
17%
Older adults who received the pneumonia vaccine
72.2%
2021
70.1%
Potentially avoidable ED visits age 65 and older, per 1,000 Medicare beneficiaries
153.5
2021
141.3
Preventable hospitalizations age 65 and older, per 1,000 Medicare beneficiaries
27.4
2021
28.6
Primary care spending as share of total, age 65 and older
4.8%
2020
5.5%
Primary care spending per beneficiary, age 65 and older
$639
2020
$702
Skilled nursing facility spending per Medicare beneficiary
$998
2021
$821
Total spending per Medicare beneficiary
$10,262
2021
$10,478
Outpatient Safety and Quality
Outpatient Safety and Quality
Indicator
Latest
The values below are from the most recent year or time period available for the indicator. Hover over the value to see the year or time period.
U.S. Avg.
Adults with low back pain with an imaging study at diagnosis
-
2021
69.1%
Appropriate antibiotic among adults with bacterial pneumonia
-
2021
44.3%
Post-Acute Care and Long Term Care
Post-Acute Care and Long Term Care
Indicator
Latest
The values below are from the most recent year or time period available for the indicator. Hover over the value to see the year or time period.
U.S. Avg.
Home health patients whose wounds healed after an operation
92%
2019
92%
Home health patients with a hospital admission
15%
2019
15%
Home health patients with improved mobility
77%
2019
80%
Home health spending per Medicare beneficiary
$363
2021
$518
15%
2020
17%
Nursing home residents with an antipsychotic medication
9.5%
2020
14.4%
Nursing home residents with pressure sores
10.4%
2017
5.6%
Skilled nursing facility spending per Medicare beneficiary
$998
2021
$821
Potentially Avoidable Care
Potentially Avoidable Care
Indicator
Latest
The values below are from the most recent year or time period available for the indicator. Hover over the value to see the year or time period.
U.S. Avg.
Adults with low back pain with an imaging study at diagnosis
-
2021
69.1%
Hospital 30-day readmissions age 65 and older, per 1,000 Medicare beneficiaries
38.5
2021
33.1
Hospital 30-day readmissions ages 18–64, per 1,000 employer coverage enrollees
-
2021
2.9
Potentially avoidable ED visits age 65 and older, per 1,000 Medicare beneficiaries
153.5
2021
141.3
Potentially avoidable ED visits ages 18–64, per 1,000 employer coverage enrollees
-
2021
133.9
Preventable hospitalizations age 65 and older, per 1,000 Medicare beneficiaries
27.4
2021
28.6
Preventable hospitalizations ages 18–64, per 1,000 employer coverage enrollees
-
2021
4.4
Preventive and Well Care
Preventive and Well Care
Indicator
Latest
The values below are from the most recent year or time period available for the indicator. Hover over the value to see the year or time period.
U.S. Avg.
Adult women who received a cervical cancer screening test
82.2%
2020
75.8%
Adult women who received a mammogram
81%
2020
78.3%
Adults who received a colon cancer screening test
78.6%
2020
72.4%
Adults with a recent flu shot
52.1%
2021
45.2%
Adults with age- and gender-appropriate cancer screenings
76.3%
2020
68.8%
Adults with age-appropriate vaccines
49.8%
2021
42.1%
Adults without a dental visit
32.2%
2020
35.3%
At risk adults with a recent check-up
92.8%
2021
91.3%
72.8%
2020-21
62%
Children with all recommended vaccines
72%
2021
72%
Diabetic adults with an annual hemoglobin A1c test
-
2021
90.1%
Diabetic adults with an annual LDL-C test
-
2021
79.3%
Older adults who received the pneumonia vaccine
72.2%
2021
70.1%
Premature avoidable deaths per 100,000 population
432.1
2020-21
320.8
Premature deaths from preventable causes per 100,000 population
310.9
2020-21
231.9
Premature deaths from treatable causes per 100,000 population
121.2
2020-21
88.8
Primary care spending as share of total, age 65 and older
4.8%
2020
5.5%
Primary care spending as share of total, ages 18–64
-
2021
6.9%
Primary care spending per beneficiary, age 65 and older
$639
2020
$702
Primary care spending per enrollee, ages 18–64
-
2021
$558
Public health funding
$366
2019
$40
Primary Health Care
Primary Health Care
Indicator
Latest
The values below are from the most recent year or time period available for the indicator. Hover over the value to see the year or time period.
U.S. Avg.
Adult women who received a cervical cancer screening test
82.2%
2020
75.8%
Adult women who received a mammogram
81%
2020
78.3%
Adults who received a colon cancer screening test
78.6%
2020
72.4%
Adults with a usual source of care
85.5%
2021
83.2%
Adults with age- and gender-appropriate cancer screenings
76.3%
2020
68.8%
Adults with age-appropriate vaccines
49.8%
2021
42.1%
At risk adults with a recent check-up
92.8%
2021
91.3%
72.8%
2020-21
62%
Children with a medical home
44.1%
2020-21
46%
Children with all recommended vaccines
72%
2021
72%
Diabetic adults with an annual hemoglobin A1c test
-
2021
90.1%
Diabetic adults with an annual LDL-C test
-
2021
79.3%
Doctors' office visit employer-sponsored insurance spending per enrollee
-
2021
$540
Doctors' office visit spending per Medicare beneficiary
$1,230
2021
$1,088
Mortality amenable to health care, deaths per 100,000 population
114.8
2019-20
86.8
Older adults who received the pneumonia vaccine
72.2%
2021
70.1%
Premature avoidable deaths per 100,000 population
432.1
2020-21
320.8
Premature deaths from preventable causes per 100,000 population
310.9
2020-21
231.9
Premature deaths from treatable causes per 100,000 population
121.2
2020-21
88.8
Primary care spending as share of total, age 65 and older
4.8%
2020
5.5%
Primary care spending as share of total, ages 18–64
-
2021
6.9%
Primary care spending per beneficiary, age 65 and older
$639
2020
$702
Primary care spending per enrollee, ages 18–64
-
2021
$558
Reproductive Care and Women’s Health
Reproductive Care and Women’s Health
Indicator
Latest
The values below are from the most recent year or time period available for the indicator. Hover over the value to see the year or time period.
U.S. Avg.
Adult women who received a cervical cancer screening test
82.2%
2020
75.8%
Adult women who received a mammogram
81%
2020
78.3%
All-cause mortality rate per 100,000 women ages 15–44
94.8
2021
124.2
Breast and cervical cancer deaths per 100,000 female population
24.4
2021
21.7
Breast cancer deaths per 100,000 female population
22.1
2021
19.4
Infant mortality per 1,000 live births
5.2
2020
5.4
Maternal mortality per 100,000 live births
-
2019-2021
25.6
No early prenatal care
25.9%
2021
21.7%
Preterm birth rate
10.1%
2021
10.5%
Self-pay in-hospital births
1.1%
2021
2.7%
Severe maternal morbidity
117.4
2020
88.2
Women ages 18–44 without a routine checkup
8.5%
2021
13%
Women ages 18–44 without a usual source of care
17.9%
2021
20.9%
Women without a postpartum checkup after birth
11.1%
2020
11.1%
Working Age Adults
Working Age Adults
Indicator
Latest
The values below are from the most recent year or time period available for the indicator. Hover over the value to see the year or time period.
U.S. Avg.
Adults who are obese
24.8%
2021
34.1%
Adults who have lost six or more teeth
5.1%
2020
8.5%
Adults with low back pain with an imaging study at diagnosis
-
2021
69.1%
Antidepressant use and adherence for depression
-
2021
38.2%
Appropriate antibiotic among adults with bacterial pneumonia
-
2021
44.3%
Diabetic adults with an annual hemoglobin A1c test
-
2021
90.1%
Diabetic adults with an annual LDL-C test
-
2021
79.3%
Doctors' office visit employer-sponsored insurance spending per enrollee
-
2021
$540
Employee contribution to total premium cost for employer-sponsored health insurance plans
$4,414
2021
$4,967
Employee deductible for employer-sponsored health insurance plans
$2,211
2021
$3,371
2.4%
2021
4.6%
Employee total potential out-of-pocket medical costs
$6,625
2021
$8,338
Employee total potential out-of-pocket medical costs, as a share of state median income
7.1%
2021
11.5%
Hospital 30-day readmissions ages 18–64, per 1,000 employer coverage enrollees
-
2021
2.9
Inpatient employer-sponsored insurance spending per enrollee
-
2021
$1,512
Potentially avoidable ED visits ages 18–64, per 1,000 employer coverage enrollees
-
2021
133.9
Preventable hospitalizations ages 18–64, per 1,000 employer coverage enrollees
-
2021
4.4
Primary care spending as share of total, ages 18–64
-
2021
6.9%
Primary care spending per enrollee, ages 18–64
-
2021
$558
Total employer-sponsored insurance spending per enrollee
-
2021
$6,060
Total premium cost for employer-sponsored health insurance plans
$16,833
2021
$17,650
18.1%
2021
24.2%
Uninsured adults
4.3%
2021
12.1%
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District of Columbia Policy Information

Policy
Status
Medicaid Expansion Status

Traditionally expanded Medicaid (33 states + DC)

Health Insurance Marketplace Type

State-based marketplace (17 plus DC)

Public Coverage Options

Has not established a public coverage option

Annual Open Enrollment Period Extensions

Extended 2022 open enrollment

Health Coverage Subsidies

Provides no premium or cost-sharing subsidies

Non-compliant Short-term Plans

Sets stricter limits on the sale of short-term coverage than the federal government

Non-compliant Transitional Plans

Prohibits non-compliant transitional policies

Other Non-compliant Plans

Does not exempt other coverage from insurance rules

Promotion of ACA Marketplace Competition

One or more rules to promote marketplace competition

Standardized Individual Market Plans

Requires standardized cost-sharing plan design

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District of Columbia Key Demographics

700K
Total Population
$94.3K
Median Household Income
22%
Below 200% of Federal Poverty Level (FPL)
37%
% White race, non-Hispanic
42%
% Black race, non-Hispanic
11%
% Hispanic ethnicity
5%
% Asian American, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander race, non-Hispanic
< 1%
% American Indian or Alaska Native race, non-Hispanic