Highest Medicare Hospice Utilization Rates Posted in CY 2025!
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By Cordt T. Kassner, PhD, VP Data Science & Research 1520ai and CEO Hospice Analytics; 7/20/26
Medicare hospice utilization reached a record high of 51.9% in calendar year (CY) 2025, according to preliminary analysis by Cordt T. Kassner, PhD. Utilization measures the share of Medicare deaths that occurred under hospice care – a consistent, conservative metric used in annual reporting. This uptick reflects a strong post-COVID rebound in access to end-of-life care.
States leading the nation in hospice utilization (all >60%) include:
- Utah: 67.7%
- Rhode Island: 62.1%
- Florida: 60.2%
- Wisconsin: 60.0%
States with the lowest hospice utilization rates include New York (27.6%), District of Columbia (31.5%), and Alaska (33.1%).
As previously published , hospice utilization serves as a key indicator of both access and quality in end-of-life care. These trends highlight opportunities for continued growth in hospice services, particularly in underserved regions. Data-driven insights like these remain essential for improving care for patients and families nationwide.