HomeCare News

WASHINGTON—A new study by KFF analyzes the issues and scrutiny surrounding the use of prior authorizations by insurance companies. 

Health insurers use prior authorization to reduce the use of low-value or unnecessary care. However, many individuals report this practice may result in delays or denials in receiving necessary care, as well as administrative burdens for patients and providers.

BURKBURNETT, Texas—HomeWell Franchising LLC, the franchisor of national nonmedical in-home care provider HomeWell Care Services, announced its growth highlights for the first half of the year. The company said it surpassed last year's franchise development pace across numerous key growth metrics.

The company noted the following growth achievements during the first half of 2026:

BRENTWOOD, Tennessee—IntellaTriage, a national provider of nurse-first triage solutions for hospice and home health organizations, announced its fourth consecutive appearance on Inc. 5000, the annual ranking of the fastest-growing private companies in America.

HUDSON, Massachusetts & YOKNEAM ILLIT, Israel—Lifeward Ltd., a biomedical company with a portfolio of commercialized neurorehabilitation products and a biomedical pipeline, launched a pilot program with Ottobock Care, an orthotics and prosthetics patient care organization in the United States. The company said the six-month pilot is designed to enable greater patient access to the ReWalk 7 Personal Exoskeleton.

HOUSTON—Memorial Hermann Health System and DASCO Home Medical Equipment have formed a joint venture to operate and expand Memorial Hermann's existing home medical equipment business. The new company, DASCO | Memorial Hermann Home Medical Equipment, combines Memorial Hermann's clinical leadership and focus on personalized care with DASCO's operational experience in durable medical equipment (DME).

NEW YORK—The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) has launched a national research study examining the impact caring for a spouse or partner with dementia has on physical and mental health, stress levels, brain function, social relationships and overall quality of life. 

BROOKLYN, New York—Renat Abramov, a man from Brooklyn, New York, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for conspiring to launder more than $8 million in healthcare fraud proceeds for durable medical equipment (DME) through a United States bank on behalf of a transnational criminal organization (TCO).

TEMPLE TERRACE, Florida—Chapters Health System, a not-for-profit health organization focused on advanced illness and hospice care, announced the definitive agreement for Housecall Providers to become part of Chapters Health has been finalized. 

LANSDOWNE, Virginia—Assisting Hands Home Care Loudoun announced it is expanding its senior homecare services in Lansdowne, Virginia.

The agency provides companion care, personal care, Alzheimer’s and dementia care, hospital-to-home support, respite care, overnight care and 24-hour homecare throughout Lansdowne and surrounding Loudoun County communities.

WASHINGTON—The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released additional guidance on Round 2028 of the competitive bid program for durable medical equipment, and also announced the expected number of contract awards for the first tie, according to the American Association for Homecare. They are: 

NORTHFIELD, Illinois—Medline has entered into a new supplier agreement with Caremax Medical Equipment & Supplies, a family-owned and operated provider based in Las Vegas serving locals and visitors for more than 15 years.  

COLUMBIA, South Carolina—Herbert Leon Kimble, 60, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States and failure to appear.

BRYN MAWR, Pennsylvania—Visiting Angels announced 39 franchise owners and team members from across the country completed the Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia Care Seminar, the required training for individuals seeking certification as a certified dementia practitioner (CDP) through the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners (NCCDP).

WASHINGTON—Newly introduced bicameral legislation aims to establish long-term care services benefits as part of the Medicare program. The Medicare At Home Act (HR 10020/S 5270) would help older adults and people with disabilities remain safely in their homes and communities by expanding homecare coverage under Medicare Part B.

LOS ANGELES—Comfytemp, a consumer wellness brand focused on accessible home recovery technology, has launched its new K91C1 Smart Cold Therapy System, a cold therapy solution the company said is designed to make post-operative recovery more comfortable and convenient for individuals recovering at home.

NEW YORK—The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted clearance to Wandercraft for Eve, its personal self-balancing exoskeleton designed to support upright mobility in everyday life.

For eligible wheelchair users, the clearance brings hands-free upright mobility into ordinary moments that may hold extraordinary meaning.

WASHINGTON—The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced additional resources and flexibilities available in response to a public health emergency (PHE) in Washington state due to emergency conditions resulting from major wildfires, including the Fairview, Autumn Lane and Old Trails fires near Spokane County beginning Aug.1.