U.S. News Launches First-Ever Home Health Agency Rankings
Event summary
- U.S. News & World Report released its inaugural Best Home Health ratings on February 24, 2026.
- 1,319 agencies earned 'High Performing' status, while 5,288 met 'As Expected' standards.
- Top-rated agencies outperformed national averages in start times (99% vs. 94%), mobility improvement (93% vs. 83%), and daily independence.
- Ratings are based on CMS data and patient experience surveys.
The big picture
The launch of Best Home Health ratings comes as demand for post-acute care continues to rise, reflecting broader industry trends toward home-based healthcare solutions. U.S. News is expanding its suite of post-acute care evaluations, positioning itself as a central resource for patients navigating recovery options. The ratings provide a data-backed tool for consumers at a time when healthcare decisions are increasingly data-driven.
What we're watching
- Market Differentiation
- How top-rated agencies will leverage these rankings to attract patients and differentiate themselves in a competitive market.
- Regulatory Alignment
- Whether CMS data standards will evolve to further refine home health agency evaluations.
- Consumer Behavior
- The pace at which patients and families adopt these rankings in their care decision-making processes.