Business Briefs: Bankrupt American Hospice for Sale

Delaware Judge Signs Off on Bankruptcy Claim for 6-Site Hospice Firm

A Delaware bankruptcy judge approved an order for the sale of part of or all of American Hospice Management LLC, a Florida-based hospice agency that operates in seven states.

The provider has reportedly been seeking a buyer since March 2013 after the company agreed to pay $12 million to resolve allegations that it made false claims to Medicare for ineligible hospice services, CFO.com reported. More than 90% of the provider’s revenue comes from Medicare. The company also lost nearly $5 million on $57 million in revenue in 2015.

Hospice Partners of America has made a bid to purchase American Hospice’s operations in Virginia and Texas. Bids for the failing company are allowed up to April 22 as a result of Judge Laurie Selber Silverstein’s decision.

FirstLight HomeCare Extends Franchise Discount for Veterans

FirstLight HomeCare, an in-home, non-medical care provider, has extended its franchise fee discount for U.S. military veterans.

The company, which operates 125 locations in 31 states, with 13 territories currently owned by military veterans, increased its franchise fee discount for veterans in 2015 from $3,000 to $10,000. Due to the success of the program last year, the franchise discount will be continued through 2016.

The company’s franchise business model gives entrepreneurs the chance to meet the needs of the ever-growing home care industry.

“As a veteran, I’ve dedicated my life to serving my country, and I was seeking a rewarding business opportunity that would allow me to continue servings others,” said Audie Flowers, owner of FirstLife HomeCare of Spartanburg County, South Carolina.

GreatCall Inc. Expands Wearable Product Line

GreatCall Inc., a connected health provider with health and safety mobile products, has introduced new wearable solutions: the Jitterbug Smart and Flip phones and the Lively Wearable.

The Jitterbug Flip phone features a larger handset, brighter screen and bigger buttons for easy dialing. It has a dedicated 5Star button that provides users instant access to 5Star service’s urgent response agents, navigation services, access to GreatCall apps and a charging dock. The phone essentially provides smartphone features in a flip phone style.

The Jitterbug Smart integrates GreatCall’s health and safety services in a phone with one of the largest, brightest screens, higher resolution display, faster data speeds and a higher resolution camera with a flash.

The Lively Wearable offers activity tracking and features a one-touch button that connects to the 5Star service and its team in emergency situations. The wearable must be linked to the user’s smartphone via Bluetooth. It can be worn on a wristband or with a lanyard.

Family caregivers can stay connected to the tracker via the Link app, which allows them to follow the user’s activity and send message of encouragement. It also alerts family members if the emergency response button is activated.

Buffalo Transportation Owner to Home Health Agency

An owner of Buffalo Transportation, a former tax company that now provides non-emergency medical transports, has sought permission from New York state to open a home health care agency. Gary Yuzbashev filed an application with the state Health Department to open Buffalo Homecare.

The agency would offer services in Erie and Niagra counties upon approval. The company would have between five and 10 home health care aides initially, but Yuzbashev projects the agency to grow to 100 employees within three years.

Buffalo Transportation has roughly 200 employees and receives much of its revenue through Medicaid and private pay sources.

Chattanooga Home Health Agency Changes Name

Life Care at Home of Tennessee has changed its name to Tennessee Home Health. The company is part of LHC Group, a national provider of post-acute services.

The agency will continue to serve patients from its location in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and deliver care with the same local staff under the direct supervision of patients’ physicians.

Written by Amy Baxter