#USA #Atlanta #Medicare Advantage #Trella Health #post-acute care

Introduction

Trella Health has unveiled its highly anticipated Post-Acute Market Intelligence Report for 2026, setting a new standard in data interactivity. This year's edition provides an in-depth analysis of the post-acute care landscape, showcasing notable shifts in Medicare Advantage, fee-for-service (FFS) volumes, and hospice admissions.

Key Findings

The report outlines several key trends that are reshaping post-acute care delivery:
1. Flat Growth in Medicare Advantage: For the first time in a decade, the growth rate of Medicare Advantage has flattened, stabilizing at 55.4%. This plateau indicates a potential turning point in the market dynamics of post-acute care.
2. Increased Hospice Admissions: Fee-for-service hospice admissions witnessed a remarkable increase, marking the fastest growth in five years. This surge underscores the growing acceptance and integration of hospice care into the healthcare continuum.
3. New Baselines in Fee-for-Service: After years of decline, FFS volumes have shown signs of stabilizing, providing a clearer foundation for future growth opportunities in home health and skilled nursing.

Interactive Features

One of the standout elements of this year's report is its fully interactive nature. Each chart and data point can be explored down to the state level, offering leaders a comprehensive tool to analyze trends such as:

• - Quality of care
• - Discharge patterns
• - Cost of care metrics
• - Length of patient stays

These interactive features allow healthcare administrators and decision-makers to delve deeper into the data, understanding the specifics of their local markets.

The Importance of Data Insights

Scott Tapp, CEO of Trella Health, emphasizes the significance of these findings: "Post-acute care organizations are navigating a market shaped by increasingly complex patient needs and evolving payer dynamics. This report assists leaders in recognizing the ongoing changes in their markets and adapting their strategies accordingly."

Analysis on State-Level Variability

The report reveals that home health start-of-care performance varies significantly across states:

• - In 2025, the average time between inpatient discharge to the commencement of home health care was 3.3 days, but this metric fluctuated widely with some states averaging as low as 2.3 days and others as high as 6.5 days.
• - Earlier adoption of hospice services is linked to reduced end-of-life Medicare spending. Patients enrolled in hospice for at least 121 days spent approximately $29,000 less than those who did not receive these services at the end of life.

Future Implications

Looking forward, Trella Health’s report reiterates the critical need for post-acute providers to establish strong referral networks and demonstrate their value in patient care transitions. The data highlights a diverse landscape where successful organizations will require adaptability and innovation to navigate future challenges.

Conclusion

The 2026 Post-Acute Market Intelligence Report stands as a vital resource for post-acute care providers, offering essential insights into emerging trends. With this data, organizations can refine their strategies, enhance patient care, and ultimately achieve better outcomes. The report is freely available here.

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