According to a State Health Index, a new project launched by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Colorado, the state ranks 9th when it comes to the healthiest in America. At the other end of the spectrum, Indiana ranked 43 out of 50 states. Data used to rank the states was acquired from the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention. A total of 23 health status measures were analyzed in order to provide accurate data, including rates of low birth-weight babies, the number of adults who received flu vaccines, and the prevalence of smoking. “Whether the issue is childhood obesity, low birth-weight babies or the state’s high smoking rate, Anthem has been a willing partner,” Dr. Judy Monroe, the Indiana state health commissioner, said in a statement. “We’ll have the greatest impact on public health when the private, public and non-profit sectors work together.”

"Given that one in nine Americans is covered by a WellPoint health benefits plan, our company has a mission and a unique responsibility to understand and help improve not only the health of our members, but also the overall health of the communities we serve," said Angela F. Braly, president and CEO of WellPoint. "The State Health Index will provide WellPoint and our public and private partners with a roadmap to help improve the overall health of millions of people." "The guiding measures selected for the State Health Index provide a broad snapshot of the overall health of a state's population," said Sam Nussbaum, MD, executive vice president, clinical health policy and chief medical officer of WellPoint. "WellPoint is making significant monetary and resource contributions through the implementation or scaling of public health programs that have proven successful in other states, including smoking cessation, physical activity and adult immunization programs." 

"Together, WellPoint's Member and State Health Indices clearly demonstrate our company's commitment to measurably improving the quality of life for both our members and all of the people who live in the communities in which we live and serve," said Braly. "We believe these innovative initiatives set a new industry standard and will help improve the health of Americans."