finance
U.S. Health and Food Scores Hold Near 80 Percent in $32 Trillion Economy While Job-Finding Ability Ranks 10th Among Peers
Human Rights Measurement Initiative data show the United States achieving 80 percent of its potential on health and 81 percent on food security in recent years. Scores on work and income stand at 27 percent, the lowest among OECD countries. Recent policy changes have reduced access to subsidized insurance and food assistance for millions.
Jul 13, 3:20 PM·2m read1 source
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The United States is achieving only about 80 percent of its potential on the right to health and 81 percent on food security, according to scores compiled by the Human Rights Measurement Initiative. The assessments compare outcomes against the resources available in a $32 trillion economy. Health scores stood at 80 percent in 2023 after reaching 82 percent in 2012 and 79 percent in 2000.
Canada reached 90 percent, Japan 88 percent, Mexico 86 percent and Australia 93 percent on the same measure. Iceland recorded the highest mark at 97 percent. The Congressional Budget Office estimated that 11.8 million Americans would lose government-subsidized health insurance because of changes in the tax and spending package signed by President Donald Trump in summer 2025.
The projection rises to 17 million people by 2034. Food security scores declined from 81.9 percent in 2015 to 81.1 percent in 2023, placing the United States 30th among 37 OECD countries. Approximately 3.4 million people lost access to food assistance between September 2025 and June 2026.
In Arizona, SNAP enrollment fell by about half as of April 2026, with more than 400,000 people losing benefits since July 2025. It scores 75 percent on the ability of people to find a job, ranking 10th.
If policies such as a higher federal minimum wage were adopted, 46 million people could rise above the fair-pay line and about 5 million more would escape extreme poverty. The work-and-pay score fell from about 62 percent in 2000 to 51 percent in 2026 after accounting for GDP growth.7 percent on access and 61.3 percent on quality.
