An important issue for Missouri residents statewide is accessible, quality health care. That’s why our state strives to maintain health care costs well below the national average, while working to ensure our hospitals and medical facilities continue to perform at a superior levels.

• Missouri has 123 hospitals, including several nationally ranked facilities.
   
• U.S. News and World Report ranked Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis 11th in the publication’s 2011 listing of America's Best Hospitals.
   
• In 2011, both Children's Mercy Hospital of Kansas City and St. Louis Children’s Hospital were ranked among the nation's best children's hospitals,"for reputation, care-related measures, technology, and credentials," by US News and World Report. St. Louis Children's Hospital ranked 8th in the Best Children's Hospitals Honor Roll.
   
• In 2009, St. Louis Children’s Hospital ranked among the top five pediatric hospitals in the nation, according to a study of more than 100 children’s hospitals released by Parents magazine. Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City also made the list, ranking 22nd.
   
• U.S. News and World Report ranked the Washington University School of Medicine 4th best research hospital in the nation in 2010.