Who is the largest home care provider in the US?

With the U.S. home healthcare market valued at over $100 billion in 2024, identifying a single largest home care provider in the US is complex and depends on the metric used, whether it's revenue, patient volume, or market share. The dynamic landscape of mergers and acquisitions constantly shifts the top rankings, so relying on recent data is crucial.

Quick Summary

The largest home care provider depends on the metric, with Maxim Healthcare Services ranking highest by net patient revenue and Amedisys and LHC Group leading in patient volume, a market share significantly impacted by Optum's acquisition strategies.

Key Points

• Metric Matters: The 'largest' home care provider is not a single company; it depends on whether the metric is net patient revenue or total patient volume.

• Maxim Healthcare Services (Revenue): Maxim Healthcare Services ranks highest in terms of recent net patient revenue, operating nationwide.

• Amedisys and Optum (Patient Volume & Market Consolidation): Amedisys leads in patient volume, but its acquisition by Optum (UnitedHealth Group), which also acquired LHC Group, makes the conglomerate a dominant force in the market.

• Significant Contenders: Other major players include CenterWell Home Health (Humana), Enhabit Home Health & Hospice, and Bayada Home Health Care, which also have significant market presence.

• Consumer Focus: For individuals needing care, the best provider isn't always the largest. Factors like service type, geographic coverage, and local reputation are more important than a top ranking.

Defining 'Largest': Revenue vs. Patient Volume

Identifying the single largest home care provider is not a straightforward task. Different rankings and analyses use varying metrics, which can lead to different companies topping the list. The two most common metrics are net patient revenue and total patient volume. Recent data from authoritative healthcare intelligence sources shows distinct leaders for each category, and large-scale mergers have dramatically reshaped the industry landscape.

Largest by Net Patient Revenue: Maxim Healthcare Services

According to an August 2025 ranking, Maxim Healthcare Services holds the top spot as the home health agency with the highest net patient revenue.

• Headquarters: Based in Columbia, Maryland, Maxim operates in more than 40 states.
• Revenue: Its net patient revenue was reported at over $1.66 billion, a figure that puts it at the forefront of the market when measured financially.
• Services: The company focuses on a variety of home healthcare and staffing services, providing a wide array of care options to its patients.

Major Players by Patient Volume: Amedisys and Optum's Strategy

When measuring by the total number of patients served, the picture shifts. Recent data shows Amedisys Inc. at the top of the patient volume charts, though its market position is evolving due to major industry consolidation.

• Amedisys: Based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Amedisys was ranked as the largest home health agency by total patient volume as of late 2023, serving hundreds of thousands of patients. However, the key story here is its acquisition.
• Optum and UnitedHealth Group: In a significant move to consolidate market share, UnitedHealth Group's Optum announced a deal to acquire Amedisys. This follows Optum's earlier acquisition of another large home health provider, LHC Group, in 2023.
• LHC Group: Previously a major home health player on its own, the company is now a component of the larger Optum enterprise. The integration of these massive providers under the Optum banner creates a powerful and potentially market-defining entity.

The Impact of Consolidation on the Home Care Market

The trend of consolidation among home care providers is accelerating, with companies merging to expand their geographic reach, service offerings, and technological capabilities. For consumers, this can mean access to a wider range of services under one umbrella, but it also raises questions about market concentration and patient choice. As healthcare giants like UnitedHealth Group continue to acquire home care assets, their influence on the market will only grow.

Other Key Contenders in the Home Care Market

Beyond the top two based on specific metrics, several other providers maintain a strong presence and are crucial to the competitive landscape. These companies often specialize in different areas or have strong regional bases.

• CenterWell Home Health: A subsidiary of Humana, CenterWell is a major player, particularly notable for its strong net patient revenue, ranking second behind Maxim Healthcare in recent reports.
• Enhabit Home Health & Hospice: Another significant provider, Enhabit is a publicly traded company that operates home health and hospice locations in numerous states.
• Bayada Home Health Care: This New Jersey-based provider is a major contender, consistently ranking high in both patient volume and revenue metrics.
• AccentCare: With a notable patient volume and geographic reach, AccentCare is a large provider of home health, hospice, and palliative care.

Comparison of Top Home Care Providers (2025 Data)

Provider	Key Metric	2025 Revenue (Approx.)	Acquisition Status
Maxim Healthcare Services	Net Patient Revenue	$1.66 billion+	N/A
CenterWell Home Health (Humana)	Net Patient Revenue	$1.49 billion+	N/A
Amedisys Inc.	Patient Volume	$1.46 billion+	Acquired by Optum
Enhabit Home Health	Net Patient Revenue & Volume	$740 million+	N/A
Bayada Home Health Care	Net Patient Revenue & Volume	$566 million+	N/A

Note: Revenue figures based on August 2025 report data.

Choosing the Right Provider for Your Needs

While knowing who is the largest home care provider in the US can be informative, it is often less important than finding the right fit for your specific situation. Considerations should include the type of care needed, geographic availability, and patient-specific factors. It is essential to research potential providers thoroughly, checking reviews and services offered in your local area. The Medicare website offers valuable information on home health services and finding approved providers: Medicare.gov.

Conclusion: A Dynamic and Growing Market

In conclusion, the title of the largest home care provider in the US is dynamic and depends heavily on the metric being used. As of recent 2025 data, Maxim Healthcare Services leads in net patient revenue, while Amedisys and LHC Group (both now part of Optum) hold significant patient volume. The ongoing trend of market consolidation, led by giants like Optum, ensures that this landscape will continue to evolve. For those seeking care, the most important takeaway is to look beyond a simple ranking and focus on finding a provider that best meets the individual's unique needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the largest home care provider in the US by revenue?

As of recent 2025 reports, Maxim Healthcare Services is the home health agency with the highest net patient revenue in the United States.

Which company serves the most home care patients?

For patient volume, data from late 2023 showed Amedisys Inc. topping the list. However, Amedisys is in the process of being acquired by Optum, which also owns LHC Group, consolidating significant market share.

How are mergers and acquisitions affecting the home care market?

Mergers and acquisitions, such as Optum's purchase of Amedisys and LHC Group, are leading to significant market consolidation. This creates larger healthcare conglomerates that offer a wider array of services but can also alter market dynamics and competition.

What is the difference between home health care and home care?

Home health care is prescribed by a doctor and involves skilled medical professionals like nurses and therapists. Home care provides non-medical assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and companionship.

Is Optum the largest home care provider in the US?

By acquiring both LHC Group and Amedisys, Optum has become a dominant force in the market, though individual rankings by revenue or patient volume might still show other names on top until their integrations are complete. The combined entity's sheer size likely makes it the largest overall.

How should I choose a home care provider?

Instead of focusing on the largest, consider factors like the specific services you need, their geographic coverage, local reputation, quality of care, and staff qualifications. Checking reviews and verifying licenses is also recommended.

Does Medicare cover home care services?

Medicare covers intermittent home health care for patients certified as homebound by a doctor. It generally does not cover non-medical home care services like meal preparation or long-term personal care. Some coverage details can be found on Medicare.gov.

What is the overall trend in the home healthcare services market?

The market is experiencing unprecedented growth, driven by an aging population, rising chronic disease prevalence, and a strong preference for aging in place. This has led to increased investment in technology like remote patient monitoring.