Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation Earns 5‑Star Hospital Quality Rating from Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

Bethel, Alaska - The Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation (YKHC) announced that the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta Regional Hospital received a 5-Star Hospital Quality Rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the highest rating awarded by the federal agency. This distinction places YKHC among the top performing hospitals in the nation, with only 12 percent of U.S. hospitals earning five stars in 2026.

CMS evaluates hospitals across five major categories: mortality, safety of care, readmission, patient experience, and timely and effective care. The 2026 rating reflects performance data from July 1, 2021, through December 31, 2024.

For customers and tribes, this 5-star rating affirms that YKHC is delivering care that meets rigorous national standards while honoring the needs of the people and communities they serve.

"This recognition is a testament to the successful cooperation between YHKC and the 58 tribal governments we serve as we work together to achieve excellent health through Native self-determination and culturally relevant health systems," said Interim President and CEO Patricia Smith.

For employees, this achievement recognizes the strong, consistent work being done by frontline caregivers, village health teams, support staff and leaders across the organization to support safe, effective and compassionate care for our customers.

"I want to extend my sincere gratitude to each of our employees for their professionalism and commitment to our mission. You have helped demonstrate that world-class health care can be delivered right here in Alaska, serving some of the most remote communities in the country," said Smith.

As YKHC celebrates this milestone, the organization remains focused on continuous improvement. YKHC's Angyaq Quality System will continue guiding efforts to strengthen quality, safety, and patient experience across all services as we work toward our mission: Working together to achieve excellent health.

More details about YKHC's 5-star rating can be found at https://www.medicare.gov/care-compare.