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All posts tagged with “Hospice Provider News | Operations News | Financial.”
Medicare hospice: action needed to pay more efficiently for routine home care
06/11/26 at 03:00 AMMedicare hospice: action needed to pay more efficiently for routine home care GAO - U.S. Government Accountability Office; GAO-26-107585; publicly released 6/9/26 Fast Facts
Humana to divest end-of-life care business for $900 million
06/11/26 at 03:00 AMHumana to divest end-of-life care business for $900 million Forbes; by Bruce Japsen; 6/10/26 Humana, one of the nation’s largest providers of privatized Medicare Advantage health insurance for older adults, announced plans to divest its minority stake in a provider of end-of-life services for $900 million. Humana Wednesday said it has signed a “definitive agreement with a consortium of investors to divest all or substantially all of its minority interest in Gentiva, the nation’s leading provider of end-of-life services, including hospice and palliative care.” Humana said the company “intends to utilize proceeds from the sale for general corporate purposes.” The deal is expected to close in the third quarter of this year subject to various regulatory approvals.
GAO uses home health as benchmark to question Medicare hospice payments
06/11/26 at 03:00 AMGAO uses home health as benchmark to question Medicare hospice payments Home Health News; by Morgan Gonzales with Jim Parker; 6/9/26 ... GAO said Medicare could have saved about $7.6 billion if hospice routine home care from 2022 through 2024 had been reimbursed using adjusted home health per-visit rates rather than hospice’s current per-day payment system, according to a GAO report released Tuesday [6/9]. ... While The Alliance questioned the GAO’s comparison of hospice to home health, Mollie Gurian, vice president of policy and government affairs for LeadingAge, said that the comparison could be a helpful tool.
Neal, Sánchez release new GAO report finding the necessity of Sánchez’s Hospice CARE Act
06/11/26 at 02:00 AMNeal, Sánchez release new GAO report finding the cecessity of Sánchez’s Hospice CARE Act U.S. Ways & Means Committee - Ranking Member Richard E. Neal, Washington, DC; Press Release; 6/9/26Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Richard E. Neal (D-MA) and Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Ranking Member Linda T. Sánchez (D-CA) today [6/9/26] highlighted a new report from the nonpartisan U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) finding that Congress must reform the Medicare hospice benefit to address misaligned payment incentives, reduce excessive spending, and root out fraudsters. Neal requested this report back in May 2023, and Sánchez leads legislation to modernize the Medicare hospice benefit while also safeguarding against fraud. ...Editor's Note: For a more comprehensive understanding and response, examine The full GAO report and the National Alliance for Care at Home responds to GAO report regarding Medicare hospice payment.
Home care/hospice salary & benefits studies: participation now open
06/10/26 at 03:00 AMHome care/hospice salary & benefits studies: participation now open LeadingAge; by Josh Moore; 6/8/26 Participation is now open for the annual Home Health and Hospice Salary & Benefits Studies, conducted in cooperation by LeadingAge’s partner Hospital & Healthcare Compensation Service (HCS), and LeadingAge is encouraging our members to participate. The study is recognized as the standard for reliable and comprehensive compensation data, including management salaries, nonmanagement wages, fringe benefits, and other facility metrics. ... Last year’s Home Care Report contained data from 1,111 home health agencies and the Hospice Report had data from 1,091 hospice agencies.
What to know about recent federal actions involving state Medicaid program integrity
06/10/26 at 03:00 AMWhat to know about recent federal actions involving state Medicaid program integrity KFF; by Jessica Mathers and Elizabeth Hinton; 6/9/26 The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has also taken nationwide and state-specific action in the Medicaid program, including:
National Alliance for Care at Home responds to GAO report regarding Medicare hospice payment
06/10/26 at 02:00 AMNational Alliance for Care at Home responds to GAO report regarding Medicare hospice payment The National Alliance for Care at Home (The Alliance), Alexandria, VA; Press Release; 6/9/26 The National Alliance for Care at Home (the Alliance) today responded to a new report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) recommending that Congress consider directing the Department of Health and Human Services to restructure the Medicare hospice payment system to better promote routine home care payment efficiency. ... The GAO report asserts that shifting hospice to per-visit payment rates comparable to home health would have reduced Medicare spending by $7.6 billion for a selected group of beneficiaries in 2024. However, these savings are generated in part by paying less to “low visit” hospices that are concentrated in known high-fraud areas. ...
Hospice of the Valley charity art gala raises record $1.2 million
06/08/26 at 03:00 AMHospice of the Valley charity art gala raises record $1.2 million Hospice of the Valley; by Lin Sue Flood; 5/21/26 The energy inside the JW Marriott Camelback Inn ballroom was electric, as a spirited crowd of 500 gathered to support Hospice of the Valley’s compassionate care and community programs. The result was a historic $1.2 million raised at this year’s charity gala: aaha! art. food. wine. ... This record-breaking night also enables Hospice of the Valley’s specialized programs to continue to expand, from dementia support to grief counseling and community education provided at no charge.
Executive Personnel Changes - 6/5/26
06/05/26 at 03:00 AMExecutive Personnel Changes - 6/5/26
National Alliance for Care at Home voices concerns to CMS in response to the FY 2027 Hospice Proposed Rule
06/03/26 at 02:00 AMNational Alliance for Care at Home voices concerns to CMS in response to the FY 2027 Hospice Proposed Rule National Alliance for Care at Home, Alexandria, VA; Press Release; 6/2/26 The National Alliance for Care at Home (the Alliance) submitted comments in response to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Hospice Wage Index proposed rule, which proposes payment and regulatory updates under the Medicare hospice benefit. The letter states that the proposed 2.4% hospice payment update for FY 2027 will not adequately account for the cost pressures hospice providers face in today’s healthcare delivery market.
State grant supports Navian Hawai'i, expands access to hospice care
06/01/26 at 03:00 AMState grant supports Navian Hawai'i, expands access to hospice careNavian Hawaii, Honolulu, HI; Press Release; 5/14/26 As federal funding uncertainty continues to impact health care providers nationwide, the Hawaiʻi State Legislature has approved a $450,000 grant-in-aid to Navian Hawaii. The funds will be used to renovate the nonprofit organization’s Kailua Home, helping expand access to hospice care and potentially increase Medicare funding for the state. The funding was included in the state’s supplemental budget bill finalized April 30, which outlines operating and capital improvement priorities for the upcoming fiscal year. The measure comes amid broader federal budget concerns, including proposed cuts to Medicaid under H.R. 1.
Get ready to access the Hospice Program for Evaluating Payment Patterns Electronic Report (PEPPER)
05/29/26 at 03:00 AMGet ready to access the Hospice Program for Evaluating Payment Patterns Electronic Report (PEPPER)CMS Center for Program Integrity; 5/28/26 CPI is getting really close to releasing the Hospice Program for Evaluating Payment Patterns Electronic Report (PEPPER). The Hospice PEPPER will be available through the PEPPER Portal in early June 2026. To ensure hospice providers can successfully access their reports, we ask that you distribute the following instructions to your members.
Lawsuit claims new Iowa hospice unfairly competes for patients and caregivers
05/26/26 at 03:00 AMLawsuit claims new Iowa hospice unfairly competes for patients and caregivers VoiceofAlexandria.com, Alexandria, MN; by Clark Kauffman; 5/21/26A West Des Moines man is being sued for establishing a hospice program that allegedly competes with his former employer for increasingly scarce healthcare workers. Abode Healthcare Inc., an affiliate of BrightSpring Health Services, is suing Rick W. Breuss III of Sacred Encounter Hospice of Central Iowa in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa. ... In August 2025, Abide alleges, Breuss resigned from Abode – six months after he formed Sacred Encounter, a competing hospice care provider.
Executive Personnel Changes - 5/22/26
05/22/26 at 03:00 AMExecutive Personnel Changes - 5/22/26
[New Zealand] Hospices turning away dying patients as funding shortfall bites
05/20/26 at 03:00 AM[New Zealand] Hospices turning away dying patients as funding shortfall bites Europe Says | New Zealand; 5/16/26 Hospices across New Zealand are being forced to turn away dying patients as they struggle to cope with rising costs and insufficient government funding. There are 32 hospices nationwide providing palliative care, but the sector says it needs an additional $80 million to $100 million a year from the Government to remain financially sustainable.
PARC retreat explores how aging, workforce strains, and federal debt are reshaping U.S. health care
05/14/26 at 03:00 AMPARC Retreat explores how aging, workforce strains, and federal debt are reshaping U.S. health care Penn LDI - Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics; by Hoag Levins; 5/13/26 Penn Gathering of Experts Examines the Growing Pressures Facing Older Americans In predicting the future of U.S. health care, it is important to recognize that the long-term health of the population depends not just on medical policy, innovation, or care delivery, but on whether the federal government can sustainably finance the systems that pay for that care, Penn Wharton School Professor and national budget expert Kent Smetters, PhD, told the May 1, 2026 Penn Population Aging Research Center Annual Retreat.
Southcoast Health event raises over $230,000 for hospice
05/12/26 at 03:00 AMSouthcoast Health event raises over $230,000 for hospice The Herald News, Fall River, MA; by Beth McDermott; 5/7/26 Southcoast Health's annual Light the Way event raised more than $230,000 for Southcoast Health at Home's Compassion Fund, according to a community announcement. The event, held April 29 at the Century House in Acushnet, brought together community members, donors and caregivers to support Southcoast Health at Home's Compassion Fund.
Healthcare leaders break down hospice reform, Medicare & quality care | part two
05/12/26 at 12:00 AMHealthcare leaders break down hospice reform, Medicare & quality care | part one Teleios Collaborative Network (TCN); podcast hosted by Chris Comeaux with Tom Koutsoumpas and Carole Fisher; 5/6/26 In Part One of Healthcare Leaders Break Down Hospice Reform, Medicare & Quality Care, Chris Comeaux sits down with nationally respected healthcare leaders Tom Koutsoumpas, Founder & CEO of NPHI and Carole Fisher, President of NPHI to explore the evolving future of hospice, palliative care, Medicare oversight, and the growing demand for quality-driven, compassionate healthcare leadership. Together, they unpack the growing challenges facing end-of-life care — from fraud and benefit manipulation to the urgent need for quality transparency and authentic patient-centered care.
A Georgia hospice care provider has filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
05/11/26 at 03:05 AMA Georgia hospice care provider has filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy WhatNow; by Twinkle Jha; 5/6/26 The Lighthouse Community Hospice, Inc. has officially filed for bankruptcy protection. The healthcare provider offering hospice and palliative care services operates across 12 Georgia counties. Case records suggest that the filing does not hint at closure; regular operations are expected to continue as normal. The proceedings will allow the provider to restructure its finances under court supervision.
CVHHH receives $10,000 grant from Vermont Mutual Charitable Fund
05/07/26 at 03:00 AMCVHHH receives $10,000 grant from Vermont Mutual Charitable Fund VB | VermontBiz; by Tim and Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice; 5/6/26 Vermont Business Magazine Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice (CVHHH) has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the Vermont Mutual Charitable Giving Fund. The funds will support CVHHH’s Adult Home Health Care program, which provides intermittent, short-term medical care, education, and support to Central Vermonters recovering from a hospital stay, injury, or surgery, and those who need assistance managing their chronic disease.
Hospice of Davidson County honors impact of volunteers
05/07/26 at 03:00 AMHospice of Davidson County honors impact of volunteers The Dispatch; by Staff; 5/5/26 On April 30, Hospice of Davidson County held its annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner to celebrate the extraordinary contributions of the individuals who serve as the heart of the agency. ... In 2025, volunteers provided 2,599 hours of direct support, a 76% increase over the previous year. Through the Hearts for Hospice initiative, volunteers assembled and delivered more than 300 Valentine's Day care packages to patients at Hospice of Davidson County's Hinkle Hospice House, ... as well as to local skilled nursing facilities and home care settings. ... "Our volunteers do not just give their time; they give their hearts," said HDOC Volunteer Services Manager Elizabeth Mitchell.Editor's Note: This kind of data speaks well to your Board of Directors, donors, and other stakeholders. Additionally, multiply the hours of your direct support by the National Volunteer Wage Rage, currently estimated at $36/hour, with state specific data going back to 2001.
Ohio’s Hospice CEO: prepare for value-based care
05/07/26 at 03:00 AMOhio’s Hospice CEO: prepare for value-based care Hospice News; by Jim Parker; 5/6/26 In time, value-based care will come to hospices, and they must be ready, according to Kent Anderson, CEO of Ohio’s Hospice. In this environment, scale will be key, as will a need to better understand the needs and objectives of referral partners, Anderson told Hospice News. He also leads Metta Health, a revenue cycle management consulting firm. Ohio’s Hospice is a statewide alliance of nonprofit providers established in 2013. The network leverages its member organizations’ collective size in negotiations with vendors, payers and referral sources, collaborates on back-office functions and shares some expenses and infrastructure.
MedPAC comment on CMS’s proposed rule on hospice for FY 2027
05/05/26 at 03:00 AMMedPAC comment on CMS’s proposed rule on hospice for FY 2027
U.S. hospice market size to reach $45.3 billion by 2033
05/01/26 at 02:00 AMU.S. hospice market size to reach $45.3 billion by 2033 Grand View Research; April 2026 The U.S. hospice market size is estimated to reach USD 45.3 billion by 2033, registering a CAGR of 4.8% from 2026 to 2033, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc.
Researchers at University of Pittsburgh target managed care (The state of hospice: Impacts on equity, quality, and nursing-an AAN consensus paper): managed care
04/28/26 at 03:00 AMResearchers at University of Pittsburgh target managed care (The state of hospice: Impacts on equity, quality, and nursing-an AAN consensus paper): managed care Insurance Newsnet; by a news reporter-staff news editor at Insurance Daily News; 4/24/26 ... This consensus paper examines the current state of hospice care in the US and the impact of changing hospice business models on health equity, healthcare quality, and nursing practice. Review of current literature and government policy statements related to hospice care and payment. Recommendations include updating policies to account for private equity involvement, evaluating current quality measures, addressing the existing Medicare Hospice Benefit, ensuring transparency and oversight for hospice agencies, and ensuring patient and caregiver education about hospice services.