Hospice News

Some hospices have delved deeper into service diversification to improve timely access and expand their patient reach, while others remain focused on end-of-life care delivery. The decision to launch into new service realms can come with a range of operational and reimbursement questions. With insight from Touchstone Communities, Empath Health. https://bit.ly/3E421YO

The crux of a lawsuit filed by hospice organizations against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on Thursday is the criteria that the agency uses to select hospices for the new Special Focus Program (SFP). https://bit.ly/40HazxG

Terminally ill patients often lack a firm understanding and awareness about their end-of-life care options, a trend researchers across the world are examining more closely. https://bit.ly/3Cg6uaf

Interdisciplinary palliative care delivery can help to improve quality and health disparities among underserved cancer patient populations, according to oncology specialists. https://bit.ly/40jSwMn

Swelling incarcerated aging populations with unmet end-of-life care needs are straining prison systems worldwide. Recent research has uncovered some of the common strategies to address the issue that are being employed across the globe. https://bit.ly/40N2VC1

Aveanna Healthcare plans to rejoin the fray in 2025 when it comes to acquisitions. https://bit.ly/42dZkhl

A group of hospice providers and state associations have filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) over the implementation of the Special Focus Program (SFP). https://bit.ly/42keJwI

Ibogaine therapy is emerging as a potential alternative to opioid treatments among seriously ill patient populations seeking pain and symptom relief. But palliative care providers need a wider window into the laws that limit utilization. https://bit.ly/40ynWjq

New executives have stepped into c-suite and other roles at some of the nation’s largest hospice organizations as 2025 kicks off. With news about Empath Health, Pennant, Traditions Health, Atrium Health, American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. https://bit.ly/42m3dAC

The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) plans to increase payments to Medicare Advantage plans for 4.3% in 2026, but implementation will depend on what happens with the new presidential administration. https://bit.ly/4gUAEim