U.S. Post-acute Care Market Opportunity, Growth Drivers, Industry Trend Analysis, and Forecast 2026

Description

U.S. Post-acute Care Market was valued at USD 490.6 billion in 2025 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 6.4% to reach USD 898.5 billion by 2035.

Market growth is driven by the aging population, increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, and the rising number of complex medical procedures, including orthopedic, cardiovascular, and neurological surgeries. The shift toward value-based care, emphasis on cost containment, and favorable Medicare coverage for post-acute services further support market expansion. Post-acute care encompasses a broad range of medical and supportive services provided after hospital discharge, including skilled nursing, rehabilitation, long-term care, and home health services. These services aim to help patients regain independence, manage chronic conditions, and improve overall outcomes. Increasing hospital discharge volumes, higher survival rates after critical illnesses, and expanding home health and hospice services are fueling demand. Specialized facilities, such as inpatient rehabilitation centers and long-term acute care hospitals (LTACHs), are becoming more widely available, supporting the market's rapid growth and diversifying patient care options.

Market Scope
Start Year	2025
Forecast Year	2026-2035
Start Value	$490.6 Billion
Forecast Value	$898.5 Billion
CAGR	6.4%

The skilled nursing facilities (SNF) segment held a 30.4% share in 2025, reflecting revenue driven by intensive rehabilitation, 24/7 skilled nursing care, and post-surgery support for patients with chronic illnesses. SNFs continue to dominate the market because they are well-equipped to handle the complex care needs of the elderly population, who often experience mobility limitations, cognitive disorders, and multiple comorbidities. These facilities provide comprehensive recovery services, including medical supervision, physical therapy, and assistance with daily activities, making them critical for post-hospital care and functional restoration.

The elderly population segment (65 years and older) accounted for USD 204.4 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.2%. Longer life expectancy and the aging of the baby boomer generation are driving this demographic expansion, leading to higher incidences of chronic illnesses and post-surgical recovery needs. Older adults frequently require post-acute services to restore mobility, prevent complications, and regain independence after hospitalizations for orthopedic, cardiac, or neurological procedures. The rising number of seniors is directly influencing the demand for skilled nursing, rehabilitation, home healthcare, and long-term care services, solidifying this demographic as the primary driver of market growth.

Northeast Post-acute Care Market held a 26.8% share in 2025, reflecting the region's higher concentration of older adults compared to other parts of the country. This population segment has a greater need for post-hospital care, including skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and home health services, to manage chronic conditions and mobility limitations. The region also benefits from a well-established healthcare infrastructure and strong availability of specialized post-acute facilities, supporting consistent market growth. The high demand for post-acute care in the Northeast is further driven by ongoing investments in home health programs, rehabilitation services, and long-term care facilities, ensuring comprehensive patient recovery support.

Prominent companies operating in the U.S. Post-acute Care Market include Evernorth Health, Brookdale Senior Living, Covenant Care, Alden Network, Lincoln Square Post-Acute Care, VITAS Healthcare, CareCentrix, Encompass Health, AMITA Health, Peninsula Post-Acute, Athena Health Care Systems, Bella Vista Health Center, Kindred Healthcare, LHC Group, Genesis Healthcare, PAC Leaders, naviHealth, Amedisys, Benchmark Senior Living, and Vineyard Post Acute. Companies in the U.S. Post-acute Care Market are adopting several strategies to strengthen their position and market foothold. They are expanding their geographic presence by opening new skilled nursing and rehabilitation facilities in high-demand regions. Many are investing in technology integration, including electronic health records, telehealth, and remote monitoring, to improve care quality and operational efficiency. Partnerships with hospitals, insurers, and home healthcare providers enhance referral networks and patient intake.

Product Code: 5203

Chapter 1 Methodology and Scope

1.1 Market scope and definitions
1.2 Research design
- 1.2.1 Research approach
- 1.2.2 Data collection methods
1.3 Data mining sources
- 1.3.1 Zone/state
1.4 Base estimates and calculations
- 1.4.1 Base year calculation
- 1.4.2 Key trends for market estimation
1.5 Primary research and validation
- 1.5.1 Primary sources
1.6 Forecast model
1.7 Research assumptions and limitations

Chapter 2 Executive Summary

2.1 Industry 360⁰ synopsis
2.2 Key market trends
- 2.2.1 Zonal trends
- 2.2.2 Service trends
- 2.2.3 Age group trends
- 2.2.4 Condition trends
2.3 CXO perspectives: Strategic imperatives
- 2.3.1 Key decision points for industry executives
- 2.3.2 Critical success factors for market players
2.4 Future outlook and strategic recommendations

Chapter 3 Industry Insights

3.1 Industry ecosystem analysis
3.2 Industry impact forces
- 3.2.1 Growth drivers
  - 3.2.1.1 Aging population demanding care
  - 3.2.1.2 Strategic partnerships among post-acute care service providers
  - 3.2.1.3 Funding from strategic and private equity investors
  - 3.2.1.4 Increased focus on care-coordination along post-acute spectrum
- 3.2.2 Industry pitfalls and challenges
  - 3.2.2.1 Changes in reimbursement policies
  - 3.2.2.2 Limited labor supply likely hampers market growth
- 3.2.3 Market opportunities
  - 3.2.3.1 Growing demand for remote patient monitoring and virtual rehab
3.3 Growth potential analysis
3.4 Regulatory landscape
3.5 Technology landscape
- 3.5.1 Current technological trends
- 3.5.2 Emerging technologies
3.6 Reimbursement scenario
3.7 Consumer insights
3.8 Future market trends
3.9 Overview and benefits
3.10 Value-based care model in post-acute care
3.11 Key strategies for post-acute care providers
3.12 Investment outlook
3.13 Start-up scenario
3.14 Porter';s analysis
3.15 PESTEL analysis
3.16 Gap analysis

Chapter 4 Competitive Landscape, 2025

4.1 Introduction
4.2 Company matrix analysis
4.3 Competitive positioning matrix
4.4 Competitive analysis of major market players
4.5 Key developments
- 4.5.1 Mergers & acquisitions
- 4.5.2 Partnerships & collaborations
- 4.5.3 New service launches
- 4.5.4 Expansion plans

Chapter 5 Market Estimates and Forecast, By Service, 2022 - 2035 ($ Mn)

5.1 Key trends
5.2 Skilled nursing facilities (SNF)
5.3 Home health agencies (HHA)
5.4 Long-term care hospitals (LTCHs)
5.5 Hospice care
5.6 Inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRF)
5.7 Other services

Chapter 6 Market Estimates and Forecast, By Age Group, 2022 - 2035 ($ Mn)

6.1 Key trends
6.2 Elderly (65 years & older)
6.3 Adult (45-64 years)
6.4 Other age groups

Chapter 7 Market Estimates and Forecast, By Condition, 2022 - 2035 ($ Mn)

7.1 Key trends
7.2 Neurological disorders
7.3 Brain injury
7.4 Amputations
7.5 Spinal cord injury
7.6 Wound management
7.7 Other conditions

Chapter 8 Market Estimates and Forecast, By Zone, 2022 - 2035 ($ Mn)

8.1 Key trends
8.2 East North Central
- 8.2.1 Illinois
- 8.2.2 Indiana
- 8.2.3 Michigan
- 8.2.4 Ohio
- 8.2.5 Wisconsin
8.3 West South Central
- 8.3.1 Arkansas
- 8.3.2 Louisiana
- 8.3.3 Oklahoma
- 8.3.4 Texas
8.4 South Atlantic
- 8.4.1 Delaware
- 8.4.2 Florida
- 8.4.3 Georgia
- 8.4.4 Maryland
- 8.4.5 North Carolina
- 8.4.6 South Carolina
- 8.4.7 Virginia
- 8.4.8 West Virginia
- 8.4.9 Washington, D.C.
8.5 Northeast
- 8.5.1 Connecticut
- 8.5.2 Maine
- 8.5.3 Massachusetts
- 8.5.4 New Hampshire
- 8.5.5 Rhode Island
- 8.5.6 Vermont
- 8.5.7 New Jersey
- 8.5.8 New York
- 8.5.9 Pennsylvania
8.6 East South Central
- 8.6.1 Alabama
- 8.6.2 Kentucky
- 8.6.3 Mississippi
- 8.6.4 Tennessee
8.7 West North Central
- 8.7.1 Iowa
- 8.7.2 Kansas
- 8.7.3 Minnesota
- 8.7.4 Missouri
- 8.7.5 Nebraska
- 8.7.6 North Dakota
- 8.7.7 South Dakota
8.8 Pacific Central
- 8.8.1 Alaska
- 8.8.2 California
- 8.8.3 Hawaii
- 8.8.4 Oregon
- 8.8.5 Washington
8.9 Mountain States
- 8.9.1 Arizona
- 8.9.2 Colorado
- 8.9.3 Utah
- 8.9.4 Nevada
- 8.9.5 New Mexico
- 8.9.6 Idaho
- 8.9.7 Montana
- 8.9.8 Wyoming

Chapter 9 Company Profiles

9.1 Alden Network
9.2 Amedisys
9.3 AMITA Health
9.4 Athena Health Care Systems
9.5 Bella Vista Health Center
9.6 Benchmark Senior Living
9.7 Brookdale Senior Living
9.8 CareCentrix
9.9 Covenant Care
9.10 Encompass Health
9.11 Evernorth Health
9.12 Genesis Healthcare
9.13 Kindred Healthcare
9.14 LHC Group
9.15 Lincoln Square Post-Acute Care
9.16 naviHealth
9.17 PAC Leaders
9.18 Peninsula Post-Acute
9.19 Vineyard Post Acute
9.20 VITAS Healthcare

U.S. Post-acute Care Market Opportunity, Growth Drivers, Industry Trend Analysis, and Forecast 2026 - 2035