The number of people using Medicaid home care grew faster than the number of providers serving them from 2019 to 2023, reaching nearly 66 participants per enrolled provider. The finding comes from the Medicaid Home Care Chartbook 2026, released in May 2026 by the National Alliance for Care at Home and the Research Institute for Home Care. Home Health Care News reported it on May 12.
What the chartbook found
Using Medicaid claims data, the researchers identified 3.3 million people with home care claims in 2023, 45% of whom were also on Medicare. The number of home care providers billing Medicaid grew, but participants grew faster: about 59 participants per enrolled provider in 2019 rose to nearly 66 by 2023, according to the Alliance's Damon Terzaghi. Personal care accounted for 62.7% of home care claims. Looking ahead, the chartbook projects about 300,000 fewer home care users by 2034 than expected without the 2025 federal budget law, because of changes such as more frequent eligibility checks and work requirements. The report also estimates 75,381 home care users will face mandatory cost-sharing.
Why this matters for providers and DSPs
More people are seeking home care per provider, which strains agencies already short on staff. Coverage losses ahead could shrink demand in some states even as need remains, making planning harder.