2026 Health Value Dashboard
Findings from the Dashboard
A 16-page publication with key findings from Dashboard data and closer looks at Ohio populations that face the greatest challenges to achieving good health
Data from the Dashboard
A 24-page publication with full ranked data tables for 100+ metrics and disaggregated data for many metrics
What is the Health Value Dashboard?
The Health Policy Institute of Ohio's Health Value Dashboard is a collection of tools and resources that compare Ohio’s performance to all other states on measures of population health, healthcare spending and the factors that influence health, including:
- Access to care
- The healthcare system
- Public health and prevention
- The social and economic environment
- The physical environment
The primary purpose of the Dashboard is to highlight Ohio’s strengths and challenges and spark questions that lead to data-driven policy that improves health, health equity and the value of healthcare spending in Ohio.
The 2026 Health Value Dashboard is the seventh edition of this publication. HPIO released previous editions in 2014, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2023 and 2024. Starting with the previous edition, HPIO began publishing the Dashboard biennially in even years to better align with the development of the biennial state operating budget.
Additional downloads
- Data appendix with metric descriptions, years, sources and Ohio data (including disaggregated data)
- Methodology
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Dashboard
- Facts & Figures (PowerPoint with data graphics from the report for public use)
Considerations for policy progress
Policymakers have many options to strengthen Ohio's health value. Below are evidence-informed, practical policy options that Ohio leaders can consider to improve health, health equity and the value of healthcare spending in Ohio.
Mental health
Key finding: Mental health outcomes are trending in the wrong direction
To improve factors that support mental health, Ohio policymakers can:
- Increase opportunities for employment through academic programs such as Accelerated Study in Associate Programs (ASAP) and sector-based workforce initiatives
- Support social connection for older adults through increased investment in activity programs for older adults and community centers, such as senior centers
- Improve access to mental health treatment such as by strengthening the behavioral health workforce and maintaining current Medicaid eligibility categories
Healthcare affordability and access
Key finding: Rising healthcare costs strain Ohioans, employers and the healthcare system
To improve healthcare affordability and access, Ohio policymakers can:
- Strengthen data collection to understand state-level healthcare spending drivers and identify priorities through initiatives like all-payer claims databases
- Contain rising health care costs by pursuing payment reforms that are associated with significant spending reductions in other states, including targeted reference pricing for specific insurance markets (e.g., state employee health plans)
- Monitor and respond to anticipated funding and coverage losses to health programs, including Medicaid, from the federal reconciliation bill HR 1, which will reduce care access and increase costs for many Ohioans
Child well-being
Key finding: Policy action is leading to improvement in child well-being, but challenges remain
To improve child well-being, Ohio policymakers can:
- Improve high school graduation rates for students at risk of dropping out through dropout prevention/high school completion programs and/or alternative high schools for at-risk students
- Continue placing more children in foster care with kinship caregivers and provide more support for these caregivers
- Support families, such as through connecting them to needed social support and services through family resource centers or schools with wraparound services
Previous editions of the Health Value Dashboard
By:
Hailey Akah, JD, MA
Nick Wiselogel, MA
Carrie Almasi, MPA
Brian O’Rourke, PhD
Becky Carroll, MPA
Lexi Chirakos, PhD
Jacob Santiago, MSW
Published On
April 17, 2026
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