(WGGB/WSHM) -- Good news for parents. A new national study says you’re in the best place in the country for their healthcare. Western Mass News spoke with Ludlow’s Dan Mercier has nothing but praise for the local health professionals in western Mass. who have been taking care of his wife, an E.R. nurse, and his soon-to-be 6-month-old son, Bennett.

Mercier explains his view, saying, “We had an excellent experience with his (Bennett’s) pre-natal care and post-natal care at Baystate Hospital over in Springfield. Such a great team of doctors and nurses there that looked out for us.” NOW, he has even more reason to be grateful, as Massachusetts was just named the best state for children’s health in the country, “It’s amazing to know as a parent, especially as a new parent to know that we have so many different resources.”

Tenzin Dolkar, a Longmeadow resident whose son, Kelden, just turned one, shares the same sentiment, “We obviously had his monthly check that’s required for babies, and it went smoothly. The practice that we saw, it’s also based in Longmeadow. So, we had a really great experience with the doctor we saw there.”

WalletHub provided the latest rankings on Tuesday, and according to the site, every state was evaluated across three key areas:

WalletHub graded all 33 metrics on a 100-point scale. Massachusetts scored a 67.34; topping Rhode Island, Connecticut, Vermont, Hawaii, and New Jersey.

Western Mass News got the chance to speak with Dr. Joseph Yunis, the Vice President of Pioneer Valley Pediatrics in Longmeadow, who says he is not surprised, “Massachusetts has always been very proactive in health care. Even before, I believe it was Mitt Romney originally who made healthcare available to everyone in Massachusetts, which then ultimately became national.”

“Available” being a key word. WalletHub reports that the Commonwealth has the 6th highest percentage of kids who have had both medical and dental preventative care visits in the past 12 months, and has the lowest rate of children lacking health insurance.

In addition, The Bay State has the 3rd lowest infant mortality rates in the country, as well as the second-lowest death rates for children aged 14 and below. However, even with that top ranking, Mercier says there is still work to do; especially close to home, “I know, especially, in the more rural areas of Western Massachusetts, that’s been somewhat of an issue with access to primary care physicians or just general health services. I hope that this state and the region identifies that.”

Dr. Yunis says closing that gap starts with trust, “I think the trust has to go both ways, so I think that if you’re uncomfortable with the care you’re receiving, then that provider might not be the best provider for you.”

He also urges parents to stay insured, so their kids get the routine healthcare they need.

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