AMED
US
Research · Mar 12, 2026
CMS Proposes 6.4% Home Health Cut — Three Operators Most at Risk
CMS has proposed a 6.4% aggregate payment cut for home health agencies in CY2026, creating material risk for operators with high Medicare home health exposure. Aveanna Healthcare (AVAH) faces the greatest financial risk due to 5.1x debt/EBITDA leverage and thin interest coverage, while Ensign Group (ENSG) is best positioned to absorb the impact given its SNF-dominated revenue mix and strong growth trajectory. Amedisys (AMED), now part of Optum/UnitedHealth, is no longer independently exposed.
Research · Mar 12, 2026
Can home health companies offset the CMS 6.4% cut through volume growth and labor efficiency?
The CMS 6.4% home health payment cut for CY2026 represents a manageable headwind for leading operators. Aveanna Healthcare's 22% revenue growth, expanding preferred payer network of 30 agreements, and EBITDA margin recovery from 2.1% to over 12% provide substantial buffer, while Ensign Group's acquisition-driven 19% growth and all-time high occupancy rates insulate its primarily skilled nursing business. The effective revenue impact — estimated at 2–3% for diversified operators — appears absorbable, though compounding Medicaid rate pressure remains the key risk to watch.