Since 1990, the Best Hospitals rankings and ratings have focused on hospitals that excel in providing high quality care, whether it be for relatively routine procedures and conditions, or more complex and challenging diagnoses. The Health Equity Measures expand on the mission of Best Hospitals by focusing on whether care is delivered in an equitable way, for patients that are admitted to the hospital, as well as for residents that live in the surrounding community. The focus of this analysis is the health of vulnerable patient populations who have historically been underserved or marginalized in the healthcare system due to socioeconomic risk factors, particularly race, ethnicity, or economic status. In a society that has achieved health equity, these factors should not contribute to population health differences, particularly when those differences are remediable. The mission of this initiative is therefore in line with that of many hospitals today: to provide care that helps their patients, and more broadly community, live healthier lives regardless of the color of skin and wealth.