Vitas Healthcare

What Vitas Healthcare does

VITAS Healthcare is the largest hospice and palliative care provider in the United States, founded in 1978 and headquartered in Miramar, Florida. The company operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of Chemed Corporation (NYSE: CHE) and delivers end-of-life care to more than 23,000 patients daily across 60+ service areas spanning 15 states and the District of Columbia. Its core offering consists of four levels of hospice care — routine home care, continuous (intensive comfort) care, inpatient care, and respite care — delivered by interdisciplinary teams of physicians, nurses, aides, social workers, chaplains, and volunteers, supplemented by specialized programs including Telecare 24/7, board-certified music therapy, Paw Pals pet visits, the VIP pampering program, We Honor Veterans, and NIJH-accredited Jewish hospice services. Technology infrastructure centers on a HIPAA-compliant mobile referral app, HIE integrations providing ADT notifications, and centralized clinical support to coordinate admissions across geographies.

VITAS generates revenue primarily through per-diem Medicare Hospice Benefit reimbursement, with secondary streams from state Medicaid hospice benefits, private insurance and HMO contracts, and direct family arrangements. Medicare Part A covers up to 100% of hospice services related to a terminal diagnosis, which underpins a recurring, capitated-style revenue model tied to average daily census (ADC). Q4 2025 net patient revenue was $418.8M, with VITAS representing roughly 68–72% of Chemed's consolidated $2.3B+ revenue. Growth is driven by geographic densification (notably in Florida, where VITAS now reaches ~88% of the state's population), tuck-in M&A (including the $85M Covenant Health acquisition in April 2024), and new inpatient facility buildouts such as Oak Manor in Largo and a 12-bed center under construction in Port St. Lucie. The go-to-market is sales-led and enterprise-referral-driven, targeting hospitals, health systems, physician practices, nursing facilities, senior living communities, health plans, and direct family self-referrals, with continuing-education webinars for clinicians serving as the primary demand-generation channel.

Name

Vitas Healthcare

Legal name

VITAS Healthcare Corporation

Website

https://vitas.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1978

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

5,001–10,000 employees

Short description

VITAS Healthcare is the nation's largest hospice and palliative care provider, serving over 23,000 patients daily across 15 states and Washington D.C. Founded in 1978 and a subsidiary of Chemed Corporation, it specializes in end-of-life care.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Hospice and Palliative Care Services

NAICS

Home Health Care Services (62161), Home Health Care Services (621610)

SIC

Services-Home Health Care Services (8082), Services-Nursing & Personal Care Facilities (8050)

akta.pro primary industry

Routine In-Home Hospice Care (HSABAFAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

In-Home Hospice Nursing Visits (RN/LPN) (HSABAFAL), In-Home Hospice Physician / Nurse Practitioner Visits (HSABAFAM), End-of-Life 24/7 In-Home Care (Hospice Support) (HSABAHAG), Hospice Care in Nursing Facilities (SNF/NH Hospice) (HLADAHAD), Hospice Care in Assisted Living / Residential Care Facilities (HLADAHAE), Palliative Care, Hospice & Serious Illness Support (BPAGACAK)

Keywords

• Hospice care services
• Palliative care
• End-of-life care
• Home health services
• Bereavement support

Headquarters

HQ city

Miami

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices7 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Medicare Hospice Benefit: Primary revenue stream. Medicare Part A covers up to 100% of hospice services related to terminal illness including interdisciplinary team visits, home medical equipment, medications, respite care, continuous care, inpatient care, routine home care, and bereavement support. Patients must have life expectancy of 6 months or less and elect comfort care over curative treatment.
2. Medicaid Hospice Benefit: State Medicaid programs cover hospice services for eligible low-income patients. Covers room and board in skilled nursing facilities when patient meets state financial eligibility requirements.
3. Private Insurance and HMOs: Private insurance plans and Health Maintenance Organizations include hospice benefits similar to Medicare. Revenue from managed care contracts with health plans.
4. Chemed Corporation Parent: VITAS Healthcare operates as a subsidiary of Chemed Corporation (NYSE: CHE), which generates consolidated revenue over $2.3 billion (2024). VITAS contributes approximately 68-72% of Chemed's consolidated revenue. VITAS Q4 2025 net patient revenue was $418.8 million.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

VITAS Healthcare is the nation's largest hospice care provider, delivering hospice and palliative care services to terminally ill patients (life expectancy of 6 months or less) across 15 states and the District of Columbia. Core offerings include home-based hospice care, inpatient hospice care, 24/7 telecare clinical support, intensive comfort (continuous) care, respite care, home medical equipment, palliative care, and specialized programs (music therapy, Paw Pals pet therapy, VIP pampering, pastoral care, Jewish care, and veteran care). Care is delivered by interdisciplinary teams of physicians, nurses, aides, social workers, chaplains, and volunteers, reimbursed primarily through Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance hospice benefits.

Product overview

VITAS Healthcare is a hospice and palliative care provider offering a comprehensive suite of services for patients with life-limiting illnesses. The core offering consists of home-based hospice care with four levels of care: Routine Home Care, Continuous Care (Intensive Comfort Care), Inpatient Care, and Respite Care. These are supplemented by specialized programs including music therapy, pet therapy (Paw Pals), the VIP pampering program, pastoral care, Jewish care services, and veteran-specific programs. The company provides 24/7 clinical support through Telecare Services and has developed a mobile application for secure patient referrals. Care is delivered through interdisciplinary teams including physicians, nurses, social workers, chaplains, aides, and volunteers, with personalized care plans organized by medical condition.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• VIP Program (VITAS Individualized Pampering): A program that supplements patient clinical care plans with relaxation services and memory-support activities including grooming, nail care, hand rubs, music therapy, massage, and sensory tools.
• Paw Pals
• Music Therapy
• Telecare
• Intensive Comfort Care
• Jewish Care Services

Products and services

• Hospice Care at Home Routine Home Care delivered in the patient's place of residence (private home, nursing home, or assisted living facility) by an interdisciplinary team of physicians, nurses, aides, social workers, chaplains, and volunteers. Includes pain and symptom management, medications, home medical equipment, and supplies related to the terminal diagnosis for patients with a life expectancy of six months or less who elect comfort care over curative treatment.
• Intensive Comfort Care Continuous (24-hour bedside) symptom management provided in the patient's home when acute symptoms cannot otherwise be controlled, with care sustained until the crisis is resolved. Delivered by nurses and aides at the patient's bedside on extended shifts as a Medicare-recognized level of hospice care.
• 24/7 Telecare Support Around-the-clock telephone access to VITAS hospice clinicians who can review patient information, provide medical advice, and dispatch on-call team members to the patient's home at any time of day. Operated from VITAS's Care Connection Center and designed to prevent unnecessary hospital readmissions.
• Inpatient Hospice Care Round-the-clock hospice care provided in freestanding inpatient facilities (e.g., Oak Manor in Largo, FL; future Port St. Lucie Tradition center) or contracted hospital settings for patients whose acute symptoms cannot be adequately managed in the home environment. Includes 12 private rooms with outdoor courtyards at VITAS-owned facilities, projected to serve 400-500+ patients annually per site.
• Palliative Care Specialized medical care for patients with serious illness focused on relief from pain, symptoms, and stress, provided alongside curative treatment and prior to hospice election. Aimed at improving quality of life for patients and families facing serious illness regardless of prognosis.
• Respite Care Up to five consecutive days of inpatient care in a hospital or hospice facility to give family caregivers temporary relief from the ongoing demands of caring for a hospice patient at home. Covered under the Medicare Hospice Benefit.
• Home Medical Equipment Provision and delivery of medical equipment and supplies related to the hospice diagnosis, including hospital beds, wheelchairs, oxygen equipment, bedside commodes, and supplies. Delivered at no additional cost beyond hospice services for Medicare-eligible patients.
• Emotional and Spiritual Care Comprehensive psychosocial and spiritual support for hospice patients and their families, including pastoral care, grief counseling, and bereavement support continuing up to 13 months after the patient's death. Provided by VITAS chaplains, social workers, and bereavement specialists.
• Music Therapy Clinical and evidence-based music intervention delivered by board-certified music therapists who assess patient needs and design individualized treatment, including creating, singing, moving to, and/or listening to patient-preferred music, to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of hospice patients.
• Paw Pals Pet Visits Volunteer pet therapy program through which trained pets and their handlers visit hospice patients in nursing homes, assisted living communities, and private homes to provide comfort, companionship, and emotional support during end-of-life care.
• VIP (VITAS Individualized Pampering) Program Supplemental comfort services and memory-support activities that supplement patient clinical care plans, including grooming, nail care, hand rubs, music, adult coloring, puzzles, games, massage, reiki, and sensory tools, designed to elevate patient care experience and manage symptoms.
• Pastoral Care Spiritual support provided by VITAS hospice chaplains for patients and families of all faiths, including assistance with advance directives, funeral arrangements, and end-of-life decisions.
• Jewish Care Services Hospice care accredited by the National Institute for Jewish Hospice (NIJH) with all patient care teams and volunteers trained in Jewish beliefs, customs, philosophies, and ethics covering Reform, Conservative, and Orthodox traditions, including care of the sick, burial preparations, and mourning practices.
• Veteran Care Program Specialized hospice services for veterans delivered under the We Honor Veterans partnership with NHPCO and the Department of Veterans Affairs, including military history examination, recognition ceremonies, pinning services, bedside salutes, Honor Flight trips, and coordination with VA benefits.
• Personalized Care Plans by Diagnosis Condition-specific hospice care programs tailored for ALS, Alzheimer's/dementia, cancer, end-stage diabetes, heart disease (with AHA Palliative/Hospice Heart Failure guideline-directed therapy), HIV/AIDS, kidney failure, liver disease, lung disease/COPD, neurological diseases, pediatric patients, and sepsis.
• VITAS Mobile App HIPAA-compliant mobile application for iPhone, iPad, and Android that enables healthcare professionals to refer patients, confirm receipt, and track referrals in real time from submission through admission, with interactive eligibility scales and disease-specific guidelines. Available via Apple App Store and Google Play.
• Continuing Education Webinars for Clinicians Free educational webinars for healthcare professionals offering CME/CE credits on hospice and palliative care topics, eligibility guidelines, advance care planning, and disease-specific care. Targeted at clinicians to support continuing education and to drive hospice referrals.

Quantifiable outcome

• 7% year-over-year admissions increase in Q1 2026
• +7 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered major, core and minor.

• Florida Hospital AssociationmajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 16 April 2026Joint webinar on April 16, 2026 focused on strengthening advance care planning conversations across Florida's healthcare system. Part of National Healthcare Decisions Day activities.
• American Heart Association (AHA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVITAS Healthcare earned the AHA Palliative/Hospice Heart Failure certification across all 15 states in which it operates. This certification validates that VITAS provides AHA-certified, guideline-directed therapy addressing the clinical, emotional and psychosocial needs of patients with advanced cardiac disease.
• National Institute for Jewish Hospice (NIJH)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVITAS programs are accredited by NIJH to ensure hospice care adheres to Jewish ideals. All care teams and volunteers are trained in beliefs, customs, philosophies and ethics of Jewish patients and families. VITAS co-authored 'The Jewish Hospice Manual' with NIJH founder.
• We Honor Veterans (NHPCO and VA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVITAS partners with the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and Department of Veterans Affairs in the We Honor Veterans program. The program focuses on respectful inquiry, compassionate listening, and grateful acknowledgment of veterans' service.
• Jewish Family ServicesmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVITAS partners with Jewish Family Services to provide training 'A Professional Approach to Serving the LGBT Population at End of Life' in many communities served. Training ensures inclusive, validating care for LGBTQ+ patients and families.
• Health Information Exchange (HIE) VendorscoreTechnology or IntegrationVITAS partners with Health Information Exchange vendors to provide secure visibility to care through admission, discharge, and transfer (ADT) notifications. Notifications update physicians and care management teams on patient status to improve care coordination.
• National Black Nurses AssociationmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVITAS maintains relationships with NBNA and its chapters for recruiting diverse nursing candidates from within communities served. Supports nursing education and professional development.
• Black Nurses RockmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVITAS maintains relationships with Black Nurses Rock for recruiting diverse nursing candidates and supporting nursing workforce diversity initiatives.
• Hispanic Nurses AssociationmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVITAS maintains relationships with Hispanic Nurses Association for recruiting diverse nursing candidates from Hispanic communities served.
• Chi Eta Phi Nursing SororityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVITAS maintains relationships with Chi Eta Phi nursing sorority for recruiting diverse nursing candidates and supporting nursing professional development.
• Compassion and ChoicesminorOthersVITAS provides resources including the Compassion and Choices website and phone number to patients who request information about the medical aid-in-dying process in California.

Scale indicators16 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Amedisys Hospice: Amedisys is a leading U.S. hospice and home health provider, acquired by UnitedHealth's Optum in 2024. Its hospice division operates across many of the same states as VITAS and competes head-to-head for hospital and SNF referrals.
• LHC Group (Optum): LHC Group is a leading home health and hospice provider acquired by UnitedHealth's Optum in 2023. It is a direct competitor to VITAS in the hospice segment, with significant scale across the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic.
• Compassus: Compassus is a nationwide hospice, palliative care, and home health provider operating across 30+ states. It is a direct competitor in VITAS's hospice core service line, with comparable interdisciplinary care models and Medicare hospice contracts.
• CenterWell Hospice (Humana): CenterWell is Humana's home-based care arm and one of the largest U.S. hospice and home health operators after its acquisitions of Kindred at Home. Directly competes with VITAS for hospice referrals and Medicare-eligible patients across overlapping states.
• BAYADA Hospice: BAYADA is a national home health, hospice, and personal care provider operating across multiple states. Its hospice division competes directly with VITAS for in-home and facility-based referrals with similar interdisciplinary care models.
• Encompass Health Hospice: Encompass Health operates hospice and home health services alongside its inpatient rehabilitation hospitals. Its hospice division competes directly with VITAS for facility-based referrals and is publicly traded.
• AccentCare: AccentCare is a national post-acute care platform formed via the merger of AccentCare and Seasons Hospice. It directly competes with VITAS across home health, hospice, and personal care services.
• Enhabit: Enhabit is a publicly traded home health and hospice operator spun off from Encompass Health in 2022. It runs hospice services across multiple states overlapping with VITAS and is a direct peer in hospice referrals and reimbursement strategy.
• Heartland Hospice (ProMedica): Heartland Hospice, part of ProMedica's post-acute services, operates across 30+ states offering hospice and palliative care. It is one of the largest national hospice providers and a direct competitor to VITAS for SNF and senior living referrals.
• Gentiva Hospice: Gentiva is a national hospice operator recently recapitalized by CD&R/Welsh Carson. It is among the top U.S. hospice providers and competes directly with VITAS for Medicare hospice referral share across multiple states.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/vitashealthcare
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/vitas-healthcare
• Instagraminstagram.com/vitashospice
• Xx.com/vitas

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Vitas Healthcare