In October, the United Health Foundation released the 2018 America's Health Rankings Health of Those Who Have Served Report. This report, created in partnership with the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), builds on the 2016 Edition by utilizing over six years of data and remains the only national resource to provide comprehensive population-based insights into the health of those who have served.
Among the 2018 report's key findings:
- Those who have served are more likely than civilians to report that their health is very good or excellent — a difference that has generally not changed since 2011-2012.
- Despite reporting better overall health, those who have served face higher rates of chronic disease and report higher rates of unhealthy behaviors than civilians.
- Men and women who have served have higher rates of depression, anxiety and frequent mental distress than civilian men and women.
- The report also documents some encouraging markers of preventive and primary care where those who have served fare better than their civilian counterparts.
- Colorectal Cancer Screening: 72.4% vs. 66.0%
- Dental Visit: 69.6% vs. 65.2%
- Flu Vaccine: 50.6% vs. 37.0%
- Unmet Medical Need Due to Cost: 8.7% vs. 14.1%
In total, this report features 31 health measures, including 10 new measures focused on mental health and opioid misuse. These new markers of health provide a more complete picture of the health of those who have served and offer greater data-driven insights into the strengths and challenges associated with the health of these individuals. By providing new insights on opportunities to improve the health of those who have served this report reflects the United Health Foundation's commitment to supporting the health of military service members, veterans and their families.
Visit www.AmericasHealthRankings.org for more information.
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