Justice Department Launches UnitedHealth Group Antitrust Investigation

In case you missed it, Hospice News has launched a new specialty publication for palliative care professionals. You can subscribe to Palliative Care News here: Subscribe today! The U.S. Justice Department is investigating UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) due to antitrust concerns. During the past two years, the insurance giant has completed a slew of acquisitions […]

Addus Projects ‘Strong, Steady’ Hospice Growth Amid Lingering Pandemic Census Headwinds

In case you missed it, Hospice News has launched a new specialty publication for palliative care professionals. You can subscribe to Palliative Care News here: Subscribe today! Addus HomeCare Corp. (NASDAQ: ADUS) saw hospice growth in 2023, despite lingering pandemic-related challenges around daily census. The company anticipates growth in its personal care business in 2024, which will […]

Alivia Care CEO: The ‘Right Way’ to Care for the Seriously Ill

In case you missed it, Hospice News has launched a new specialty publication for palliative care professionals. You can subscribe to Palliative Care News here: Subscribe today! Florida-based nonprofit Alivia Care is focused on gearing up for value-based systems in 2024. Alivia Care came into existence in 2020 when Community Hospice & Palliative Care, now an affiliate, […]

Home Health Care Linked to Increased Hospice Utilization

Recent research has uncovered improved hospice utilization rates among patients who had received home health services. Researchers from New Jersey-based Rutgers University’s School of Nursing have found that patient preferences leaned toward home-based hospice services following home health experiences. The study, published in the Journal of Palliative Medicine, examined home health and hospice care outcomes […]

4 Key Trends for Hospices to Watch in 2024

In case you missed it, Hospice News has launched a new specialty publication for palliative care professionals. You can subscribe to Palliative Care News here: Subscribe today! Hospice operators in 2024 are navigating a rapidly transforming environment. The prior three years have laid the groundwork for change, particularly in the regulatory space as well as gradual migration […]

The Employment Outlook for Hospice Aides

Rising wages, reimbursement pressures and immigration policies are fueling high turnover rates for hospice and personal care aides. Similar trends are proliferating among hospitals and health systems that provide these services. Current reimbursement structures for aide services represent the most significant challenge in maintaining a sufficient workforce, according to Kenneth Albert, president and CEO of […]

VITAS Makes C-Suite, EVP Promotions; Westfall Named Chairman

VITAS Healthcare is making changes in its c-suite and executive team. COO Joel Wherely will now also serve as VITAS’ president, the company announced today. Bryan Wysong, currently senior vice president of operational performance, will step in as executive vice president of operations. CEO Nick Westfall has been appointed the company’s chairman. “VITAS Healthcare continues to […]

Proposed Legislation Would Create Tax Credits for Family Caregivers

In case you missed it, Hospice News has launched a new specialty publication for palliative care professionals. You can subscribe to Palliative Care News here: Subscribe today! A bill to strengthen support for family caregivers is working its way through Congress. If enacted, it would create tax credits to help offset the financial burdens of […]

The Risk of Criminal Charges in Hospice Fraud Cases

Hospice personnel could face criminal charges in instances of suspected fraud, waste and abuse. The regulatory stakes are high for hospice providers when it comes to False Claims Act (FCA) violations, according to Jonathan Porter, partner at the law firm Husch Blackwell. Though the vast majority of FCA cases do not result in criminal charges, […]

Medicare Advantage Transparency Efforts Could Impact Hospices

In case you missed it, Hospice News has launched a new specialty publication for palliative care professionals. You can subscribe to Palliative Care News here: Subscribe today! Recent efforts to increase transparency within Medicare Advantage may impact hospice reimbursement. The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released a Request for Information (RFI) on ways […]