Mergers & acquisitions firm says sales show an uptick in health care M&A after sluggish years

FORT WORTH, Texas—Health care mergers and acquisitions advisory firm VERTESS, announced the closing of four sell-side advisory transactions in December 2025 and January 2026, which the company said represented a significant uptick in health care mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity after a sluggish market in the previous two years.

The transactions were: 

Mergers & acquisitions firm says sales show an uptick in health care M&A after sluggish years

FORT WORTH, Texas—Health care mergers and acquisitions advisory firm VERTESS, announced the closing of four sell-side advisory transactions in December 2025 and January 2026, which the company said represented a significant uptick in health care mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity after a sluggish market in the previous two years.

The transactions were: 

Boomer Medical Equipment, doing business as Risch Home Health Care, is a home medical equipment provider in Ohio

INDIANAPOLIS—Rehab Medical, a provider of complex rehab technology (CRT), announced the acquisition of Boomer Medical Equipment, doing business as Risch Home Health Care, a home medical equipment provider serving Central Ohio. The acquisition was finalized Jan. 1, 2026. 

Advocates encouraged by passage of Joe Fiandra Access to Home infusion Act in budget package, but say more can be done

WASHINGTON—The 2026 health funding bill that was signed into law Feb. 3 included a change to the qualifying criteria for drugs under Medicare’s home infusion benefit that may expand access to some drugs if an infusion pump is required for administration.

The Best in Class Employer Award by Caregivers of New York recognizes organizations that demonstrate a commitment to at-home caregivers

HUDSON VALLEY, New York—Angels on Call Homecare, a homecare provider serving communities across New York, announced it has been named a Best in Class Employer by Caregivers of New York, recognizing the organization's employee recognition program, specialized training pathways and clinical support infrastructure.

The Best of Home Care Awards have been presented for the past 13 years to homecare agencies across the United States

TAMPA, Florida—Activated Insights, a workforce analytics and compliance training company serving the homecare, long-term care and post-acute care industries, announced the winners of the 2026 Best of Home Care Awards.

Presented for the past 13 years by Activated Insights, the Best of Home Care Awards recognize homecare agencies across North America that excel in building strong care teams and delivering high-quality care.

Reps. Bergman & Budzinski reintroduced Gerald's Law to secure permanent burial benefits for certain veterans receiving VA hospice care

ALEXANDRIA, Virginia & WASHINGTON—On Jan. 22, representatives reintroduced Gerald's Law as a standalone bill to permanently protect burial benefits for veterans who receive hospice care furnished by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) outside of a VA facility. The bill was reintroduced by Reps. Jack Bergman (R-MI) and Nikki Budzinski (D-IL).

New artificial intelligence-powered referral management workflows are designed to progress & centralize intake

OVERLAND PARK, Kansas—WellSky has announced new artificial intelligence (AI)-powered referral management workflows aimed at helping home health and hospice providers centralize intake, manage referral complexity and efficiently process growing volumes of patient referrals.

Nonprofit raised concerns over health care technology that could impact homecare providers

WILLOW GROVE, Pennsylvania—Artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots, digital darkness events and counterfeit medical products are the most significant health care hazards according to the Emergency Care Research Institute (ECRI). ECRI, an independent nonprofit organization, emphasized the importance of “prevention over reaction” in “Top 10 Health Technology Hazards for 2026” report, Jan. 21.

Jan Miller currently serves as senior executive vice president & trust officer at Caldwell Trust Company

LAKEWOOD RANCH, Florida—Empath Health announced that its board of directors has elected Jan Miller as chair of the board of trustees. Miller succeeds Ben Hayes, who served as chair from 2023 to 2026 and will continue supporting Empath Health’s mission through his ongoing service to the organization.

Ronald Schwartz is senior director of Continuum Health Services & medical director of Masonicare Hospice Services

LYME, Connecticut—Purple Flag Excellence in Dementia Care has announced the appointment of Dr. Ronald Schwartz to the Purple Flag for Dementia Care credentialing committee.

The Purple Flag for Dementia Care credentialing committee provides oversight in the accreditation process for Purple Flag Excellence in Dementia Care providers.

Maria Lozzano has been appointed the new certified operating officer for Center for Elders' Independence

OAKLAND, California—The Center for Elders’ Independence (CEI) announced the appointment of Maria Lozzano as its new chief operating officer (COO). Lozzano joined CEI’s executive leadership team effective Jan. 12, reporting directly to President and CEO Maria Zamora.

As COO, Lozzano will oversee organizational operations, collaborating with clinical and administrative leaders to enhance operational excellence and support growth.