The Future of Hospice Care: Opportunities and Challenges

Top News Stories October 2025In this episode of TCNtalks, Chris Comeaux and Cordt Kassner discuss the top news stories of October, focusing on AI in healthcare, innovations in hospice care, and the impact of personal experiences on healthcare practices.  They explore the ethical implications of AI surrogates in life-or-death decisions, the importance of equitable access to hospice care, and the role of technology in improving care delivery. The conversation also highlights the significance of personal stories in shaping healthcare perspectives and the ongoing challenges in the hospice industry.Co-host:Cordt Kassner, PhD, Publisher of Hospice & Palliative Care Today & CEO and Founder of Hospice AnalyticsHost:Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TELEIOSTeleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

In this episode of TCNtalks, host Chris Comeaux welcomes back Jason Bradshaw, a seasoned benefits consultant with USI Insurance Services. Together, they unpack why healthcare premiums are rising, where volatility is coming from, and how employers can regain control without gutting benefits. Jason shares practical funding models, transparency tools, and a playbook for building a cost culture that actually moves behavior.Also, they delve into the complexities of the U.S. healthcare insurance market, discussing the key drivers of rising premiums and the challenges employers face in managing costs while maintaining competitive benefits.Jason shares insights on innovative plan designs and funding models, emphasizing the importance of developing a cost culture within organizations. Tune in to explore strategies for balancing affordability and sustainability in healthcare benefits.. Guest: Jason Bradshaw, Benefits Consultant with USI Insurance ServicesHost:Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TELEIOSTeleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

In this episode of TCNtalks, host Chris Comeaux welcomes Dr. Khai Nguyen, a geriatrician and age-friendly care champion. They discuss the 4Ms framework for age-friendly care, which includes what matters, mentation, medications, and mobility. Dr. Nguyen shares his personal journey into geriatrics, inspired by his father's health challenges, and emphasizes the importance of integrating the 4Ms into healthcare practices, particularly in hospice and home health settings. The conversation highlights the need for a paradigm shift in care, focusing on quality and patient-centered approaches.  Be sure to hit that subscribe button.  Pay this one forward, especially to your friends, your co-workers, your colleagues.  We want the forums to catch on like wildfire, so we can make a significant difference as we go forward into this future.Guest: Dr. Khai Nguyen, Geriatrician and Age-Friendly Care Champion for Care-At-Home with CHAP - Medical Affairs & Innovation at Community Health Accreditation Partners. Host:Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TELEIOSTeleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

In this conversation, Peter Benjamin and Chris Comeaux discuss the impact of COVID-19 on mortality rates, particularly the concept of 'death pull forward' and its implications for hospice care. Peter highlights the significant role of assisted living facilities in hospice days and explores macro trends in healthcare, emphasizing the shift from vertical to horizontal care models. The discussion also covers the evolution of palliative care, frail elderly practices, and institutional special needs plans (iSNPs), while stressing the importance of measuring quality of care, particularly in pain management. The conversation concludes with reflections on the future of healthcare and the necessity of collaboration across various care models.Guest:Peter Benjamin, Partner, The Huntington Consulting GroupHost:Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TELEIOShttps://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast/conspiracy-of-verticals-rethinking-healthcare-models-with-peter-benjaminTeleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

As the seasons shift, so do the conversations shaping Hospice and Palliative Care.  In this week’s episode, host Chris Comeaux and Hospice Analytics expert and co-host Cordt Kassner explore the latest headlines, challenges, and innovations impacting Hospice and Palliative Care.Together, they provide timely insights and thoughtful reflection on what matters most right now for providers, patients, and families, with discussion on the latest trends and insights in Hospice and Palliative Care. Covering a range of topics, including the impact of AI on Hospice Care, the importance of end-of-life visits, and the challenges of Hospice utilization trends.  Also highlights significant events and stories from the Hospice community, such as the launch of a new nursing scholarship program and the impact of Hurricane Helene one year later.More than just a news recap, this episode offers perspective, encouragement, and a reminder of why Hospice and Palliative Care are both urgent and deeply meaningful.  Whether you’re a healthcare leader, frontline caregiver, or simply someone passionate about end-of-life care, this conversation will keep you informed and inspired as we enter the fall season.Highlights• Projected RN, LPN, NP shortages through 2032 and what that means for bedside care• Waste, fraud, abuse headlines and the urgency of last week's visit quality• Byock’s four pillars as a roadmap for standards, data, competition, and brand• Mental health in palliative care and dignity therapy as practical tools• HOPE implementation and iQIES readiness across hospices• Scholarships and legacy programs to build CNA-to-RN pipelines• AI use cases, editing pitfalls, and critical thinking guardrails• PACE vs hospice at end-of-life and “rehab to death” incentives• Utilization trends, COVID death pull-forward, and state disparities• Disaster preparedness lessons when communications fail• Leadership training gaps and the masterclass: return to fundamentalsCo-host:Cordt Kassner, PhD, Publisher of Hospice & Palliative Care Today & CEO and Founder of Hospice AnalyticsHost:Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of Teleios Collaborative Network, Teleios Consulting GroupPlease subscribe, share TCN Talks with a colleague, and help us reach more hospice and palliative leadersTeleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

Are we headed for a healthcare train wreck?  The warning signs are flashing: skyrocketing premiums, looming Medicaid cuts, significant reductions in home health funding, and major insurers experiencing substantial stock losses.  These aren't isolated issues but symptoms of fundamental structural flaws in our healthcare system.Rita E. Numerof, co-founder and president of Numerof & Associates, returns to TCNtalks with a powerful analysis of the healthcare industry's trajectory and a bold vision for transformative change.  As an "equal opportunity critic" with over 30 years of experience spanning the entire healthcare ecosystem, Numerof offers a uniquely comprehensive perspective on why our current system is failing and what must change.Host Chris Comeaux and Rita explore the pressing issues facing the healthcare industry and the train wreck they foresee in 2026 and 2027, but this may be the opportunity to finally fix healthcare for our country.  From policy reform to consumer empowerment, with her extensive experience, Rita offers a visionary perspective on how to reform healthcare, despite its complexities, and to truly create meaningful change.Guest:  Rita E. NumerofCo-founder and President of Numerof & AssociatesHost:  Chris ComeauxPresident / CEO of TeleiosTeleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

Hospice and palliative care face significant challenges amid broader failures in the healthcare system, with experts anticipating a critical opportunity for reform by 2026-2027 as Medicare faces potential bankruptcy and employers confront double-digit premium increases.Join Chris Comeaux and Cordt Kassner as they delve into the latest trends and challenges in hospice care.  From the impact of AI to the importance of research and innovation, this episode covers it all.The healthcare system stands at a critical inflection point. With Medicare facing potential bankruptcy in the 2030s and employers confronting double-digit premium increases, experts suggest that we may be approaching a once-in-a-generation opportunity to fundamentally reform healthcare by 2026-2027.Explore how the hospice field is evolving and its implications for both providers and patients.Co-host Cordt KassnerPhD, Publisher of Hospice & Palliative Care Today & CEO and Founder of Hospice AnalyticsHostChris ComeauxPresident / CEO of TELEIOSTeleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

The healthcare landscape is transforming before our eyes, shifting away from hospital-centered care toward home-based models. This fundamental change raises urgent questions about Medicare's outdated reimbursement systems, particularly for hospice providers facing the reality of a mere 2.6% rate increase while battling significant inflation.Join us in this illuminating conversation and in-depth discussion with industry experts Annette Kiser, Chief Compliance Officer with Teleios, and Judi Lund Person, Principal, Lund Person & Associates LLC, as they sit down with Chris and explore the complexities of the final 2026 Hospice Wage Index and its impact on hospice organizations.  Discover the challenges and opportunities within the current regulatory framework and gain valuable insights into strategic actions for the future.  So join us, this is a great listen for staff, leaders, and Boards of hospice and palliative care organizations.  This is timely and relevant.  GuestAnnette KiserChief Compliance Officer with TELEIOSJudi Lund PersonPrincipal, Lund Person & Associates LLC HostChris ComeauxPresident / CEO of TELEIOSTeleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

"Connection isn't new, it's just neglected.  And it's neglected now more than ever."  These powerful words from Wall Street Journal bestselling author Ryan Jenkins set the stage for a transformative conversation about what might be our most critical yet overlooked human need.Despite our hyperconnected world of social media, texting, and endless digital communication, genuine connection continues to slip through our fingers.  Jenkins reveals the crucial distinction between mere communication and true connection – explaining how our brains process these experiences differently and why it matters so profoundly. The stakes couldn't be higher: lacking social connection is actually more harmful to your health than smoking twenty cigarettes daily for forty years.  In this episode of the Anatomy of Leadership, Ryan also discusses the critical importance of connection in leadership and the workplace.  He emphasizes that connection is often neglected despite being a fundamental human need. The conversation explores generational differences in experiencing loneliness, the challenges of remote work, and the innovative AI tool Rivet designed to foster connections. Jenkins shares actionable insights for leaders to cultivate meaningful relationships within their teams, highlighting the necessity of being intentional about connection in an increasingly digital world.  Guest: Ryan Jenkins, Wall Street Journal Bestselling Leadership Author and Keynote SpeakerHost: Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TELEIOS and author of The Anatomy Of Leadershiphttps://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast/the-future-of-work-prioritizing-human-connectionTeleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

The Path to the Future May be the Un-obvious - Top News Stories, July 2025 The future of hospice care hangs in the balance as providers navigate a perfect storm of challenges and opportunities. From financial pressures closing hospice houses to unprecedented Medicare fraud schemes, from technological disruption to changing consumer expectations – the hospice field stands at a critical inflection point that demands both reflection and action.Join hosts Chris Comeaux and Cordt Kassner as they delve into the latest trends and challenges in Hospice and Palliative Care, discussing key trends, challenges, and innovations shaping the field. This episode covers a wide range of topics, including the impact of healthcare layoffs, disruptive innovations, and the importance of disaster preparedness. They also discuss the evolving landscape of Hospice Care, the role of technology, and the significance of maintaining an authentic brand in the field.  Join us.HostChris Comeaux, President / CEO of TELEIOSCohostCordt Kassner, PhD, Publisher of Hospice & Palliative Care Today & CEO and Founder of Hospice Analyticshttps://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast/the-path-to-the-future-may-be-the-un-obvious-top-news-stories-july-2025Teleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast