Geographic disparities in hospice quality and family caregiver experience: the roles of ownership, social vulnerability, and workforce capacity 
arXiv; by Jinho Cha and Misun Roh; 9/29/26  
Hospice quality should be interpreted in relation to both provider organization and the local conditions under which care is delivered. This study develops a provider-county performance assessment framework by linking national Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) hospice data and Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) Hospice Survey outcomes with county measures of rurality, social vulnerability, health burden, and workforce and health-resource context. The adjusted analysis includes 2,928 providers in 1,078 counties and combines geographic mapping, blockwise regression, six secondary CAHPS outcomes, and eight sensitivity analyses.

Rebranding a ‘huge success’ in improved hospice access 
Hospice News; by Holly Vossel; 9/28/26 
Some rebranded organizations that have recently removed “hospice” from their company name are seeing increased awareness, utilization and other positive results. A rebrand can sometimes better position a hospice in terms of improved awareness, according to Tony Kudner, chief strategy officer of Transcend Strategy Group. Formerly RP Marketing, the Ohio-headquartered consulting firm works with hospice and home-based care organizations. The company rebranded in 2020 after 27 years of operation.

A hole lot of help: hospice golf tournament raises more than $220,000 
Baynet, Pasadena, MD; by Hospice of the Chesapeake; 9/29/26 
Golfers, volunteers and sponsors came together once again to make Hospice of the Chesapeake’s annual Golf Tournament a resounding success. The event brought in more than $220,000 to support the nonprofit’s work caring for families across Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles and Prince George’s counties. The tournament took place Sept. 24 at Queenstown Harbor Golf Course, where players enjoyed a day full of friendly competition and outstanding food ...

The future of palliative care: who will lead, who will pay, and what comes next? | part one Teleios Collaborative Network (TCN); podcast hosted by Chris Comeaux with Brynn Bowman; 9/30/26 
Palliative care isn’t struggling to prove that it works.  The bigger question now is whether our healthcare system can figure out how to deliver it to everyone who needs it—and sustainably pay for it. In Part One, Chris Comeaux sits down with Brynn Bowman, CEO of the Center to Advance Palliative Care (CAPC), for a candid look at where palliative care is headed next.  Brynn paints a compelling picture of what success could look like five years from now: a patient living in rural America should have access to high-quality palliative care just as reliably as someone living near a major health system.

NCPPCH CEO: Building stronger end-of-life pediatric support
Hospice News; by Holly Vossel; 9/24/26
Families often experience complex emotional, physical and logistical challenges when a child has a serious or terminal condition. Slow-moving state and federal policy are not keeping pace with the growing demand for improved support... Hospice News sits down with Jonathan Cottor, CEO and founder at the National Center for Pediatric Palliative Care Homes (NCPPCH). The organization focuses on improving community-based pediatric palliative and respite care through increased education, policy advocacy efforts and offering support, guidance and best practice to providers. 
Guest Editor's Note by Judy Zeringue: This technical paper is intended to inform and educate policymakers, healthcare leaders, and community stakeholders about the role of Pediatric Palliative Care Centers to offer respite within the Medicaid care continuum. It examines existing Medicaid spending patterns, care delivery models, and policy alignment considerations relevant to sustainable, family-centered care for children with medical complexity, particularly those with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions.

‘Taking care of Granny’: hear this caregiver’s story of dementia, dignity and finding help 
WNDU 16 News Now, South Bend, IN; by LeAnne Gendreau and Wade Smith; 9/30/26 
On this episode of The Aging Untold Podcast, Dugan Meredith, who documents caring for his mother-in-law online through the “Taking Care of Granny” social media feeds, joins us to talk about what it’s really like to become a caregiver and how his family found their way through it. Caring for an aging loved one can reshape a family, and it’s a responsibility more men are shouldering than ever before. Today, an estimated 21 million men are in caregiving roles, according to AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving. They are navigating the daily challenges of aging and illness alongside their own jobs and children.

How CMS’ proposed rule would build palliative care into the home health system 
Home Health Care News; by Morgan Gonzales; 9/30/26 
The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) proposal to add palliative care as a billable service under the Medicare Home Health Benefit could expand home health agencies to develop relationships with different types of providers. However, adding palliative care as a billable service could also make it difficult for home health providers to provide palliative services as robust as those delivered through the hospice benefit. Home health providers have celebrated the inclusion of palliative care in CMS’ proposed CY2027 home health payment rule. ... The rule will not change eligibility requirements for the home health care benefit. To qualify, a patient must: ...

11 Medicare scams retirees often don't see coming 
Finance Buzz; by Sara Albertelli; 9/30/26 
Medical costs can escalate quickly after you retire, making access to affordable Medicare health care an essential part of your retirement plan. Unfortunately, scammers often target Medicare patients. ... Here are some common Medicare schemes that could throw a wrench in your retirement plans.

1. A call telling you to get a new Medicare card ...
2. Phony billing for diabetes services ...
3. A notice of canceled benefits ...
4. A promise of Medicare 'freebies' ...
5. An offer of 'new' coverage ...
6. A claim that you are eligible for free genetic testing ...
7. Promises of rebates and refunds ...
8. Offers of free equipment ...
9. High bills for telehealth services ...
10. Incorrect billing at a hospice ...
11. Other inaccurate bills ...

Hospice tech execs have changing role in age of AI 
Hospice News; by Jim Parker; 9/30/26 
The proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI) in the hospice space is changing how chief information officers and other technology-focused leaders are approaching their jobs. Hospices nationwide are investing in AI systems to transform virtually every aspect of their businesses. This includes both nonprofit and for-profit providers and organizations of all sizes, though larger, well-capitalized companies and investing more heavily.

New Jersey telehealth update: access expanded, pay parity extended, licensing upheld 
Mondaq Legal 500 | Intelligence; by Becca Waltuch and Josh Yoo; 9/30/26 
New Jersey has significantly expanded telemedicine access for Schedule II controlled substances by eliminating certain in-person examination requirements for cancer patients, hospice care recipients, and adults prescribed stimulants. The state has also extended its telemedicine pay parity mandate through 2027, while federal courts have upheld strict physician licensing requirements for out-of-state providers offering telehealth services to New Jersey patients.

Adrian woman accused of killing sister skips preliminary hearing, heads to trial court 
WTOL 11 - CBS, Toledo, OH; by Melissa Andrews; 9/30/26 
The Adrian woman accused of killing her sister, a hospice patient, waived her right to a preliminary examination Wednesday and will now face arraignment in Lenawee County Circuit Court. ... According to a probable cause affidavit filed by Adrian Police, Frances Stewart was a cancer patient with autism who was receiving in-home hospice care at her Adrian residence. Investigators allege Virginia Stewart gave her sister an overdose of morphine while she was unconscious in bed and then removed her oxygen mask. Police said Fran Stewart died within about 15 minutes. The affidavit states two witnesses told investigators Stewart instructed them to "look away" or they could become "implicated."

Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall. ~ F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby 
Happy October, from Hospice & Palliative Care Today