Latest News
The most recent news, announcements, and regulatory updates for home health, hospice, and supportive care at home
BREAKING NEWS: Blumenauer Proposes Hospice Overhaul
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Portland District Office 503-231-2300If enacted, the legislation would be the single most significant update to the hospice benefit and payment structure since its inception in 1982WASHINGTON, D.C., SEPTEMBER 26,...
Home Health in a Post-Chevron World
by Elizabeth E. Hogue, Esq.On June 28, 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned a decision of the Court in 1984 often referred to as “Chevron.” The Chevron case said that Courts must defer to administrative actions that are reasonable...
What are You Hiding?
by Elizabeth E. Hogue, Esq.Oh, but you do! Statements like this from providers are cringe-worthy. If you have said it before, please don’t ever say it again. Here’s why:First, many providers think that when fraud enforcers are required to show...
Another One Bites the Dust
by Kristin Rowan, EditorEssentia Health is an integrated health system with locations in Minnesota, North Dakota and Wisconsin. The health system offers 285 different services across more than 1,700 locations. They employ more than 2,700 doctors....
Home Health and Hospice Face Another Election Year
by Tim Rowan, Editor EmeritusIt happens every four years. Once the Olympic torch has been extinguished, Americans turn their attention from athletics to politics, specifically to choosing their next President. While watching the Harris/Trump debate...
NonCompete Agreements and What to do About Them
by Elizabeth E. Hogue, Esq.The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) published a final rule earlier this year that banned noncompete agreements. The final rule was effective on September 4, 2024. Requirements of the rule included: A ban on new concompete...
Hospice Fraud Oversight
by Kristin Rowan, EditorIn 2023, The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) cited research suggesting that hospices profit from fraud far too often. CMS has identified cases of hospices certifying benficiaries who are not terminally ill,...
NHPCO and NAHC Announce New Name and Website
by Kristin Rowan, EditorSince the announcement that the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and the National Association for Home Care and Hospice would merge, the default name for the combined entities has been "The Alliance." NAHC...
Meet Dr. Steve Landers, MD
Get to know the new NAHC-NHPCO Alliance CEO Dr. Landers named CEO for joint NAHC NHPCO. A recognized leader and innovator in home health, primary care and aging services, Dr. Steven “Steve” Landers brings almost two decades of experience as a...
It’s Official! NAHC NHPCO Alliance Name New CEO
WASHINGTON D.C. Steven Landers, MD, MPH, has been named the inaugural Chief Executive Officer of the newly merged NAHC-NHPCO Alliance (The Alliance). A recognized national leader and innovator in home health, primary care and aging services, Dr....
HHA to pay Nearly $4 Million after False Claims Act Violations
by Kristin Rowan, EditorAccording to allegations in U.S. es rel. Jones v Intrepid U.S.A. Healthcare Inc. and U.S. es rel. Rigney v Intrepid U.S.A. Inc., Intrepid U.S.A. Inc. (Intrepid) violated the False Claims Act multiple times over five years....
More Rural Providers Say ‘No’ to MA
by Tim Rowan, Editor EmeritusO ne just does not know whom to believe anymore. This week, we were sent three opinions of the pros and cons of Medicare Advantage programs. One says they reduce costs and improve patient satisfaction for rural...
HHVBP Model Payments Begin January 1, 2025
by Kristin Rowan, EditorThe Home Health Value Based Purchasing (HHVBP) Model, implemented by CMS in 2016, began in nine states. The goal is "to provide incentives for better quality care, to study new quality and efficiency measures, and to enhance...
Medicare Advantage Predatory Marketing
by Kristin Rowan, EditorFor some time now, we've been reporting on the marketing practices that Medicare Advantage uses to lure new members. And, it's working, as more than 50% of eligible patients are now on Medicare Advantage plans. From federal...
