0000019584-20-000023 | 10-Q | XBRL Viewer

Document And Entity Information	3 Months Ended
Document And Entity Information	Mar. 31, 2020 shares
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2020
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	1-8351
Entity Registrant Name	CHEMED CORPORATION
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	31-0791746
Entity Address, Address Line One	255 E. Fifth Street
Entity Address, Address Line Two	Suite 2600
Entity Address, City or Town	Cincinnati
Entity Address, State or Province	OH
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	45202
City Area Code	513
Local Phone Number	762-6690
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Title of 12(b) Security	Capital Stock $1 Par Value
Trading Symbol	CHE
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	15,873,532
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Central Index Key	0000019584
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 28,951	$ 6,158
Accounts receivable less allowances of $1,427 (2019 -$353)	134,695	143,827
Inventories	7,313	7,462
Prepaid income taxes	5,917	10,074
Prepaid expenses	21,939	23,150
Total current assets	198,815	190,671
Investments of deferred compensation plans	72,296	77,446
Properties and equipment, at cost, less accumulated depreciation of $278,768 (2019 - $270,140)	183,729	175,763
Lease right of use asset	112,302	111,652
Identifiable intangible assets less accumulated amortization of $40,094 (2019 - $37,620)	124,219	126,370
Goodwill	577,236	577,367
Other assets	8,962	9,048
Total Assets	1,277,559	1,268,317
Current liabilities
Accounts payable	37,838	51,101
Accrued insurance	56,480	50,328
Accrued compensation	63,622	70,814
Accrued legal	7,114	6,941
Short-term lease liability	36,252	39,280
Other current liabilities	45,431	43,756
Total current liabilities	246,737	262,220
Deferred income taxes	20,681	18,504
Long-term debt	160,000	90,000
Deferred compensation liabilities	70,363	76,446
Long-term lease liability	88,278	86,656
Other liabilities	7,899	7,883
Total Liabilities	593,958	541,709
Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Capital stock - authorized 80,000,000 shares $1 par; issued 35,911,724 shares (2019 - 35,810,528 shares)	35,912	35,811
Paid-in capital	878,550	860,671
Retained earnings	1,476,151	1,425,752
Treasury stock - 20,116,345 shares (2019 - 19,867,220 shares)	(1,709,390)	(1,597,940)
Deferred compensation payable in Company stock	2,378	2,314
Total Stockholders' Equity	683,601	726,608
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	$ 1,277,559	$ 1,268,317

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract]
Accounts receivable, allowances	$ 1,427	$ 353
Properties and equipment, accumulated depreciation	278,768	270,140
Identifiable intangible assets, accumulated amortization	$ 40,094	$ 37,620
Capital stock - authorized	80,000,000	80,000,000
Capital stock - par value	$ 1	$ 1
Capital stock - issued	35,911,724	35,810,528
Treasury stock	20,116,345	19,867,220

Consolidated Statements Of Income - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Consolidated Statements Of Income [Abstract]
Service revenues and sales	$ 515,798	$ 462,034
Cost of services provided and goods sold (excluding depreciation)	351,745	321,951
Selling, general and administrative expenses	70,583	74,029
Depreciation	11,388	9,710
Amortization	2,477	519
Other operating expenses	242	6,353
Total costs and expenses	436,435	412,562
Income from operations	79,363	49,472
Interest expense	(975)	(1,124)
Other (expense)/income - net	(9,466)	2,439
Income before income taxes	68,922	50,787
Income taxes	(13,031)	(6,120)
Net income	$ 55,891	$ 44,667
Earnings Per Share:
Net income	$ 3.50	$ 2.80
Average number of shares outstanding	15,991	15,954
Diluted Earnings Per Share:
Net income	$ 3.38	$ 2.70
Average number of shares outstanding	16,516	16,525
Cash Dividends Per Share	$ 0.32	$ 0.30

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net income	$ 55,891	$ 44,667
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	13,865	10,229
Stock option expense	5,045	4,089
Provision/(benefit) for deferred income taxes	2,290	(3,489)
Noncash long-term incentive compensation	1,598	1,119
Provision for bad debts	594
Amortization of debt issuance costs	76	76
Litigation settlement		6,000
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Decrease/(increase) in accounts receivable	6,269	(81)
Decrease/(increase) in inventories	149	(610)
Decrease in prepaid expenses	1,211	6
(Decrease)/increase in accounts payable and other current liabilities	(7,037)	348
Change in current income taxes	10,159	9,219
Net change in lease assets and liabilities	(153)	(328)
Decrease/(increase) in other assets	5,048	(5,006)
(Decrease)/increase in other liabilities	(6,067)	6,459
Other sources	388	887
Net cash provided by operating activities	89,326	73,585
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Capital expenditures	(19,897)	(13,866)
Business combinations	(1,452)
Other uses	(144)	(68)
Net cash used by investing activities	(21,493)	(13,934)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Proceeds from revolving line of credit	174,100	125,100
Payments on revolving line of credit	(104,100)	(114,300)
Purchases of treasury stock	(100,235)	(49,250)
Change in cash overdrafts payable	(9,849)	(13,303)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	9,241	11,827
Capital stock surrendered to pay taxes on stock-based compensation	(7,951)	(11,170)
Dividends paid	(5,130)	(4,799)
Other (uses)/sources	(1,116)	181
Net cash used by financing activities	(45,040)	(55,714)
Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents	22,793	3,937
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	6,158	4,831
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 28,951	$ 8,768

Consolidated Statements Of Changes In Stockholders Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Capital Stock [Member]	Paid-In Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Treasury Stock-At Cost [Member]	Deferred Compensation Payable In Company Stock [Member]	Total
Balance at Dec. 31, 2018	$ 35,311	$ 774,358	$ 1,225,617	$ (1,446,296)	$ 2,344	$ 591,334
Net income			44,667			44,667
Dividends paid			(4,799)			(4,799)
Stock awards and exercise of stock options	210	29,152		(23,495)		5,867
Purchases of treasury stock				(49,250)		(49,250)
Other		191		(36)	36	191
Balance at Mar. 31, 2019	35,521	803,701	1,265,485	(1,519,077)	2,380	588,010
Balance at Dec. 31, 2019	35,811	860,671	1,425,752	(1,597,940)	2,314	726,608
Net income			55,891			55,891
Dividends paid			(5,130)			(5,130)
Stock awards and exercise of stock options	101	18,972		(11,140)		7,933
Purchases of treasury stock				(100,235)		(100,235)
Other		(1,093)	(362)	(75)	64	(1,466)
Balance at Mar. 31, 2020	$ 35,912	$ 878,550	$ 1,476,151	$ (1,709,390)	$ 2,378	$ 683,601

- Definition

The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

+ References + Details

Consolidated Statements Of Changes In Stockholders Equity (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Consolidated Statements Of Changes In Stockholders Equity [Abstract]
Dividends paid per share	$ 0.32	$ 0.30

Basis Of Presentation

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Basis Of Presentation [Abstract]

Basis Of Presentation

1. Basis of Presentation

As used herein, the terms “We,” “Company” and “Chemed” refer to Chemed Corporation or Chemed Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries.

We have prepared the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of Chemed in accordance with Rule 10-01 of SEC Regulation S-X. Consequently, we have omitted certain disclosures required under generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) for complete financial statements. The December 31, 2019 balance sheet data were derived from audited financial statements but do not include all disclosures required by GAAP. However, in our opinion, the financial statements presented herein contain all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to state fairly our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. These financial statements are prepared on the same basis as and should be read in conjunction with the audited Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.

Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year financial statements to conform to current presentation.

CURRENT EXPECTED CREDIT LOSSES

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments, Credit Losses. The ASU introduces the current expected credit loss (“CECL”) methodology. The CECL methodology utilizes a lifetime “expected credit loss” measurement objective for the recognition of credit losses for financial assets at the time the asset is originated or acquired. This generally results in earlier recognition of credit losses and greater transparency about credit risk. The Company adopted the provisions of ASU No. 2016-13 on January 1, 2020 using the modified retrospective method. The provisions of ASU No. 2016-13 did not significantly impact the method or timing that the Company recognizes expected credit losses and the cumulative effect of adoption was immaterial.

The Company’s only material financial asset subject to ASU No. 2016-13 is accounts receivable, trade and other. The Company recognizes an allowance for credit losses related to accounts receivable to present the net amount expected to be collected as of the balance sheet date. Accounts receivable are written-off when it is determined that the amount is deemed uncollectible. The following presents a detailed discussion of the operating subsidiaries’ accounts receivable and their evaluation of credit risk related to those accounts:

Roto-Rooter’s trade accounts receivable are comprised mainly of amounts due from commercial entities and commercial insurance carriers. Roto-Rooter’s accounts receivable are generally outstanding for 90 days or less and there are no significant amounts outstanding greater than one year. Roto-Rooter historically has not experienced significant write-offs due to credit losses. For amounts due from commercial entities, Roto-Rooter utilizes a provision matrix based on historical credit losses by aging category. For amounts due from commercial insurance carriers, mainly from water restoration revenue, Roto-Rooter periodically reviews published default tables related to commercial insurance carriers and provides an allowance. As further discussed below, Roto-Rooter assesses on a quarterly basis whether the historical rates used are expected to be representative of credit risk over the life of the account taking into consideration existing economic conditions.

In excess of 90% of VITAS’ accounts receivable are from the Federal or state governments under Medicare and Medicaid. VITAS believes that it is reasonable to expect that the risk of non-payment as a result of credit issues from these government entities is zero. As such, there is no allowance for credit losses established related to these accounts. The remainder of VITAS’ accounts are from commercial insurance carriers. VITAS’ accounts are generally outstanding for 90 days or less and there are no significant amounts outstanding greater than one year. VITAS historically has not experienced significant write-offs due to credit losses. VITAS periodically reviews published default tables related to commercial insurance carriers and provides an allowance. VITAS assesses on a quarterly basis whether these default rates are expected to be representative of credit risk over the life of the account taking into consideration existing economic conditions.

As further discussed in footnote 5, Chemed has $37.9 million in standby letters of credit outstanding. These letters of credit are with large, highly rated financial institutions. The Company periodically reviews published default tables related to these institutions to assess the need for an allowance. Chemed believes that any expected credit loss related to outstanding letters of credit based on current economic conditions is not material.

In conjunction with its first quarter of 2020 closing process, subsequent to the adoption of ASU No. 2016-13, Roto-Rooter re-assessed its expected credit losses as a result of COVID-19. In addition to the historical provision matrix described above, and in conjunction with the quarterly assessment of current economic conditions and published default rates to evaluate credit risk over the life of the account, Roto-Rooter analyzed the industries from which the accounts receivable originated. Using available information and judgement, additional expected credit losses were recorded for industries deemed higher risk during the economic shut down, such as

restaurants, hotels and bars. The additional charge taken for the three-month period ended March 31, 2020 related to expected credit losses from COVID-19 issues was $524,000. The full economic impact as a result of COVID-19 and the related business shut-downs will not be known for some period of time. The amount recorded in the first quarter of 2020 represents management’s current best estimate.

ADDITIONS

(CHARGED)

CREDITED

(CHARGED)

BALANCE AT

TO COSTS

CREDITED

BALANCE

BEGINNING

AND

TO OTHER

AT END

DESCRIPTION

OF PERIOD

EXPENSES

ACCOUNTS

OTHER

OF PERIOD

March 31, 2020

(353)

(594)

(475)

(5)

(1,427)

CORONAVIRUS AID, RELIEF AND ECONOMIC STIMULUS (CARES) ACT

The recent COVID-19 pandemic did not have a material impact on our results of operations, cash flow and financial position as of and for the three months-ended March 31, 2020. We are closely monitoring the impact of the pandemic on all aspects of our business including impacts to employees, customers, patients, suppliers and vendors. The Company’s two operating subsidiaries have been categorized as critical infrastructure businesses and are not currently materially limited by federal, state or local regulations that restrict movement or operating ability.

The length and severity of the pandemic, coupled with related governmental actions including relief acts and actions relating to our workforce at federal, state and local levels, and underlying economic disruption will determine the ultimate short-term and long-term impact to our business operations and financial results. We are unable to predict the myriad of possible issues that could arise or the ultimate effect to our businesses as a result of the unknown short, medium and long-term impacts that the pandemic will have on the United States economy and society as a whole.

On March 27, 2020, the CARES Act was passed. It is intended to provide economic relief to individuals and businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic. It also contains provisions related to healthcare providers’ operations and the issues caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The following significant economic impacts for Chemed and its subsidiaries as a result of specific provisions of the CARES Act:

Chemed deferred its first quarter 2020 income tax payment of $8.8 million to the Federal government until July 15, 2020, as permitted by the CARES Act. In addition, Chemed and its subsidiaries deferred payment of certain employer payroll taxes and certain state tax payments, as permitted by the CARES Act.

A portion of the CARES Act provides $100 billion from the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund (“Relief Fund)” to hospitals and other healthcare providers on the front lines of the coronavirus response. Of this $100 billion distribution from the Relief Fund, $30 billion was designated to be automatically distributed to facilities and healthcare providers based upon their 2019 Medicare fee-for-service revenue. On April 10, 2020 VITAS automatically received $80.2 million from the Relief Fund based upon VITAS’s 2019 Medicare fee-for-service Medicare revenue. While specific details of the program have not been finalized, recipients of this $30 billion in CARES Act relief are specified to use these funds to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus, and shall reimburse the recipient only for health care related expenses or lost revenues that are attributable to coronavirus. The ability of VITAS to retain and utilize the full $80.2 million from the Relief Fund will depend on the magnitude, timing and nature of the economic impact of COVID-19 within VITAS, as well as the guidelines and rules of the Relief Fund program.

During the period from May 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020, the 2% Medicare sequestration reimbursement cut is suspended. VITAS anticipates the impact to increase revenue approximately $15 million to $20 million, excluding the impact of the Medicare Cap.

LEASE ACCOUNTING

In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update “ASU No. 2016-02 Leases” which introduced a lessee model that brings most leases onto the balance sheets and updates lessor accounting to align with changes in the lessee model and the revenue recognition standard. This standard is also referred to as Accountings Standards Codification No.842 (“ASC 842”). We adopted ASC 842 effective January 1, 2019, using the optional transition method requiring leases existing at, or entered into after, January 1, 2019 to be recognized and measured. The transition method selected does not require adjustments to prior period amounts, which continue to be reflected in accordance with historical accounting. In addition, we elected the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance within the new standard which among other things, allowed us to carry forward the historical lease classification.

Roto-Rooter purchases equipment and leases it to certain of its independent contractors. We analyzed these leases in accordance with ASC 842 and determined they are operating leases. As a result, Roto-Rooter will continue to capitalize the equipment underlying these leases, depreciate the equipment and recognize rental income.

Adoption of the new standard resulted in right of use assets and lease liabilities of $93.1 million and $104.3 million, respectively, as of January 1, 2019. In determining the liability, we used our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the time of adoption, since the rate implicit in the leases cannot be readily determined. At January 1, 2019, the weighted average rate was 3.47%. The standard did not materially impact our consolidated net income or cash flows. We did not book a cumulative effect adjustment upon adoption of the standard.

CLOUD COMPUTING

On January 1, 2019, we early adopted ASU No. 2018-15, “Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That is a Service Contract”. This ASU aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal use software. We adopted the ASU on a prospective basis.

As of March 31, 2020, we have two cloud computing arrangements that are service contracts. Roto-Rooter is implementing a system to assist in technician dispatch and VITAS implemented a new human resources system. We have capitalized approximately $6.0 million related to implementation of these projects which are included in prepaid assets in the accompanying balance sheets. The VITAS human resource system was placed into service in January 2020 and is being amortized over 5 years. Through March 31, 2020, $262,000 has been amortized. There has been no amortization expense associated with the Roto-Rooter project, as the software has not yet been placed in service. We anticipate amortizing this asset over the original term of the arrangement plus renewal options that are reasonably certain of being exercised.

NON-EMPLOYEE STOCK COMPENSATION

In June 2018, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update “ASU No. 2018-07 – Compensation – Stock Compensation”. The ASU expands the scope of current guidance to include all share-based payment arrangements related to the acquisition of goods and services from both non-employees and employees. The guidance in the ASU is effective for the Company in all fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. Adoption of this standard had no material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

INCOME TAXES

Our effective income tax rate was 18.9% in the first quarter of 2020 compared to 12.1% during the first quarter of 2019. Excess tax benefit on stock options reduced our income tax expenses by $4.6 million and $6.7 million, respectively for the quarters ended March 31, 2020 and 2019.

NON-CASH TRANSACTIONS

Included in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets are $1.7 million and $1.8 million of capitalized property and equipment which were not paid for as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. These amounts have been excluded from capital expenditures in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow. There are no material non-cash amounts included in interest expense for any period presented.

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

We account for acquired businesses using the acquisition method of accounting. All assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded at their respective fair values at the date of acquisition. The determination of fair value involves estimates and the use of valuation techniques when market value is not readily available. We use various techniques to determine fair value in accordance with accepted valuation models, primarily the income approach. The significant assumptions used in developing fair values include, but are not limited to, revenue growth rates, the amount and timing of future cash flows, discount rates, useful lives, royalty rates and future tax rates. The excess of purchase price over the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired is recorded as goodwill. See footnote 17 for discussion of recent acquisitions.

Revenue Recognition

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Revenue Recognition [Abstract]

Revenue Recognition

2. Revenue Recognition

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update “ASU No. 2014-09 – Revenue from Contracts with Customers.” The standard and subsequent amendments are theoretically intended to develop a common revenue standard for removing inconsistencies and weaknesses, improve comparability, provide for more useful information to users through improved disclosure requirements and simplify the preparation of financial statements. The standard is also referred to as Accounting Standards Codification No. 606 (“ASC 606”). We adopted ASC 606 effective January 1, 2018. The required disclosures of ASC 606 and impact of adoption are discussed below for each of our operating subsidiaries.

VITAS

Service revenue for VITAS is reported at the amount that reflects the ultimate consideration we expect to receive in exchange for providing patient care. These amounts are due from third-party payors, primarily commercial health insurers and government programs (Medicare and Medicaid), and include variable consideration for revenue adjustments due to settlements of audits and reviews, as well as certain hospice-specific revenue capitations. Amounts are generally billed monthly or subsequent to patient discharge. Subsequent changes in the transaction price initially recognized are not significant.

Hospice services are provided on a daily basis and the type of service provided is determined based on a physician’s determination of each patient’s specific needs on that given day. Reimbursement rates for hospice services are on a per diem basis regardless of the type of service provided or the payor. Reimbursement rates from government programs are established by the appropriate governmental agency and are standard across all hospice providers. Reimbursement rates from health insurers are negotiated with each payor and generally structured to closely mirror the Medicare reimbursement model. The types of hospice services provided and associated reimbursement model for each are as follows:

Routine Home Care occurs when a patient receives hospice care in their home, including a nursing home setting. The routine home care rate is paid for each day that a patient is in a hospice program and is not receiving one of the other categories of hospice care. For Medicare patients, the routine home care rate reflects a two-tiered rate, with a higher rate for the first 60 days of a hospice patient’s care and a lower rate for days 61 and after. In addition, there is a Service Intensity Add-on payment which covers direct home care visits conducted by a registered nurse or social worker in the last seven days of a hospice patient’s life, reimbursed up to 4 hours per day in 15 minute increments at the continuous home care rate.

General Inpatient Care occurs when a patient requires services in a controlled setting for a short period of time for pain control or symptom management which cannot be managed in other settings. General inpatient care services must be provided in a Medicare or Medicaid certified hospital or long-term care facility or at a freestanding inpatient hospice facility with the required registered nurse staffing.

Continuous Home Care is provided to patients while at home, including a nursing home setting, during periods of crisis when intensive monitoring and care, primarily nursing care, is required in order to achieve palliation or management of acute medical symptoms. Continuous home care requires a minimum of 8 hours of care within a 24-hour day, which begins at midnight. The care must be predominantly nursing care provided by either a registered nurse or licensed nurse practitioner. While the published Medicare continuous home care rates are daily rates, Medicare pays for continuous home care in 15 minute increments. This 15 minute rate is calculated by dividing the daily rate by 96.

Respite Care permits a hospice patient to receive services on an inpatient basis for a short period of time in order to provide relief for the patient’s family or other caregivers from the demands of caring for the patient. A hospice can receive payment for respite care for a given patient for up to five consecutive days at a time, after which respite care is reimbursed at the routine home care rate.

Each level of care represents a separate promise under the contract of care and is provided independently for each patient contingent upon the patient’s specific medical needs as determined by a physician. However, the clinical criteria used to determine a patient’s level of care is consistent across all patients, given that, each patient is subject to the same payor rules and regulations. As a result, we have concluded that each level of care is capable of being distinct and is distinct in the context of the contract. Furthermore, we have determined that each level of care represents a stand ready service provided as a series of either days or hours of patient care. We believe that the performance obligations for each level of care meet criteria to be satisfied over time. VITAS recognizes revenue based on the service output. VITAS believes this to be the most faithful depiction of the transfer of control of services as the patient simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits provided by our performance. Revenue is recognized on a daily or hourly basis for each patient in accordance with the reimbursement model for each type of service. VITAS’ performance obligations relate to contracts with an expected duration of less than one year. Therefore, VITAS has elected to apply the optional exception provided in ASC 606 and is not required to disclose the aggregate amount of the transaction price allocated to performance obligations that are unsatisfied or

partially unsatisfied at the end of the reporting period. The unsatisfied or partially satisfied performance obligations referred to above relate to bereavement services provided to patients’ families for at least 12 months after discharge.

Care is provided to patients regardless of their ability to pay. Patients who meet our criteria for charity care are provided care without charge. There is no revenue or associated accounts receivable in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements related to charity care. The cost of providing charity care during the quarters ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 was $2.2 million and $2.1 million, respectively. The cost of charity care is included in cost of services provided and goods sold and is calculated by taking the ratio of charity care days to total days of care and multiplying by the total cost of care.

Generally, patients who are covered by third-party payors are responsible for related deductibles and coinsurance which vary in amount. VITAS also provides service to patients without a reimbursement source and may offer those patients discounts from standard charges. VITAS estimates the transaction price for patients with deductibles and coinsurance, along with those uninsured patients, based on historical experience and current conditions. The estimate of any contractual adjustments, discounts or implicit price concessions reduces the amount of revenue initially recognized. Subsequent changes to the estimate of the transaction price are recorded as adjustments to patient service revenue in the period of change. Subsequent changes that are determined to be the result of an adverse change in the patients’ ability to pay (i.e. change in credit risk) are recorded as bad debt expense. VITAS has no material adjustments related to subsequent changes in the estimate of the transaction price or subsequent changes as the result of an adverse change in the patient’s ability to pay for any period reported.

Laws and regulations concerning government programs, including Medicare and Medicaid, are complex and subject to varying interpretation. Medicare and Medicaid programs have broad authority to audit and review compliance with such laws and regulations, and impose payment suspensions when merited. Additionally, the contracts we have with commercial health insurance payors provide for retroactive audit and review of claims. Settlement with third party payors for retroactive adjustments due to audits, reviews or investigations are considered variable consideration and are included in the determination of the estimated transaction price for providing patient care. The variable consideration is estimated based on the terms of the payment agreement, existing correspondence from the payor and our historical settlement activity. These estimates are adjusted in future periods, as new information becomes available.

We are subject to certain limitations on Medicare payments for services which are considered variable consideration, as follows:

Inpatient Cap. If the number of inpatient care days any hospice program provides to Medicare beneficiaries exceeds 20% of the total days of hospice care such program provided to all Medicare patients for an annual period beginning September 28, the days in excess of the 20% figure may be reimbursed only at the routine homecare rate. None of VITAS’ hospice programs exceeded the payment limits on inpatient services during the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019.

Medicare Cap. We are also subject to a Medicare annual per-beneficiary cap (“Medicare cap”). Compliance with the Medicare cap is measured in one of two ways based on a provider election. The “streamlined” method compares total Medicare payments received under a Medicare provider number with respect to services provided to all Medicare hospice care beneficiaries in the program or programs covered by that Medicare provider number with the product of the per-beneficiary cap amount and the number of Medicare beneficiaries electing hospice care for the first time from that hospice program or programs from September 28 through September 27 of the following year. At March 31, 2020, all our programs except one are using the “streamlined” method.

The “proportional” method compares the total Medicare payments received under a Medicare provider number with respect to services provided to all Medicare hospice care beneficiaries in the program or programs covered by the Medicare provider number between September 28 and September 27 of the following year with the product of the per beneficiary cap amount and a pro-rated number of Medicare beneficiaries receiving hospice services from that program during the same period. The pro-rated number of Medicare beneficiaries is calculated based on the ratio of days the beneficiary received hospice services during the measurement period to the total number of days the beneficiary received hospice services.

We actively monitor each of our hospice programs, by provider number, as to their specific admission, discharge rate and median length of stay data in an attempt to determine whether revenues are likely to exceed the annual per-beneficiary Medicare cap. Should we determine that revenues for a program are likely to exceed the Medicare cap based on projected trends, we attempt to institute corrective actions, which include changes to the patient mix and increased patient admissions. However, should we project our corrective action will not prevent that program from exceeding its Medicare cap, we estimate revenue recognized during the government fiscal year that will require repayment to the Federal government under the Medicare cap and record an adjustment to revenue of an amount equal to a ratable portion of our best estimate for the year.

In 2013, the U.S. government implemented automatic budget reductions of 2.0% for all government payees, including hospice benefits paid under the Medicare program. In 2015, CMS determined that the Medicare cap should be calculated “as if” sequestration

did not occur. As a result of this decision, VITAS has received notification from our third-party intermediary that an additional $8.3 million is owed for Medicare cap in three programs arising during the 2013 through 2019 measurement periods. The amounts are automatically deducted from our semi-monthly PIP payments. We do not believe that CMS is authorized under the sequestration authority or the statutory methodology for establishing the Medicare cap to the amounts they have withheld and intend to withhold under their current “as if” methodology. We have appealed CMS’s methodology change. Pursuant to the recent legislation, the sequestration has been lifted for the period from May 1 through December 31, 2020.

During the quarter ended March 31, 2020, we recorded $2.5 million in net Medicare cap revenue reduction related to five programs for the 2020 government fiscal year.

During the quarter ended March 31, 2019, we recorded $3.4 million in net Medicare cap revenue reduction related to three programs for the 2019 government fiscal year.

For VITAS’ patients in the nursing home setting in which Medicaid pays the nursing home room and board, VITAS serves as a pass-through between Medicaid and the nursing home. We are responsible for paying the nursing home for that patient’s room and board. Medicaid reimburses us for 95% of the amount we have paid. This results in a 5% net expense for VITAS related to nursing home room and board. This transaction creates a performance obligation in that VITAS is facilitating room and board being delivered to our patient. As a result, the 5% net expense is recognized as a contra-revenue account under ASC 606 in the accompanying financial statements.

The composition of patient care service revenue by payor and level of care for the quarter ended March 31, 2020 is as follows (in thousands):



	Medicare		Medicaid		Commercial		Total
Routine home care	$	253,965	$	12,133		5,664	$	271,762
Continuous care		37,132		1,871		1,552		40,555
Inpatient care		28,148		2,559		1,775		32,482
	$	319,245	$	16,563	$	8,991	$	344,799

All other revenue - self-pay, respite care, etc.								3,147
Subtotal							$	347,946
Medicare cap adjustment								(2,500)
Implicit price concessions								(4,149)
Room and board, net								(3,381)
Net revenue							$	337,916

The composition of patient care service revenue by payor and level of care for the quarter ended March 31, 2019 is as follows (in thousands):


	Medicare		Medicaid		Commercial		Total
Routine home care	$	241,700	$	11,673	$	5,474	$	258,847
Continuous care		28,973		1,787		1,484		32,244
Inpatient care		18,989		2,148		1,433		22,570
	$	289,662	$	15,608	$	8,391	$	313,661

All other revenue - self-pay, respite care, etc.								2,010
Subtotal							$	315,671
Medicare cap adjustment								(3,400)
Implicit price concessions								(2,948)
Room and board, net								(2,542)
Net revenue							$	306,781

Roto-Rooter

Roto-Rooter provides plumbing, drain cleaning, water restoration and other related services to both residential and commercial customers primarily in the United States. Services are provided through a network of company-owned branches, independent contractors and franchisees. Service revenue for Roto-Rooter is reported at the amount that reflects the ultimate consideration we expect to receive in exchange for providing services.

Roto-Rooter owns and operates branches focusing mainly on large population centers in the United States. Roto-Rooter’s primary lines of business in company-owned branches consist of plumbing, sewer and drain cleaning, excavation and water restoration. For purposes of ASC 606 analysis, plumbing, sewer and drain cleaning, and excavation have been combined into one portfolio and are

referred to as “short-term core services”. Water restoration is analyzed as a separate portfolio. The following describes the key characteristics of these portfolios:

Short-term Core Services are plumbing, drain and sewer cleaning and excavation services. These services are provided to both commercial and residential customers. The duration of services provided in this category range from a few hours to a few days. There are no significant warranty costs or on-going obligations to the customer once a service has been completed. For residential customers, payment is received at the time of job completion before the Roto-Rooter technician leaves the residence. Commercial customers may be granted credit subject to internally designated authority limits and credit check guidelines. If credit is granted, payment terms are generally 30 days or less.

Each job in this category is a distinct service with a distinct performance obligation to the customer. Revenue is recognized at the completion of each job. Variable consideration consists of pre-invoice discounts and post-invoice discounts. Pre-invoice discounts are given in the form of coupons or price concessions. Post-invoice discounts consist of credit memos generally granted to resolve customer service issues. Variable consideration is estimated based on historical activity and recorded at the time service is completed.

Water Restoration Services involve the remediation of water and humidity after a flood. These services are provided to both commercial and residential customers. The duration of services provided in this category generally ranges from 3 to 5 days. There are no significant warranties or on-going obligations to the customer once service has been completed. The majority of these services are paid by the customer’s insurance company. Variable consideration relates primarily to allowances taken by insurance companies upon payment. Variable consideration is estimated based on historical activity and recorded at the time service is completed.

For both short-term core services and water restoration services, Roto-Rooter satisfies its performance obligation at a point in time. The services provided generally involve fixing plumbing, drainage or flood-related issues at the customer’s property. At the time service is complete, the customer acknowledges its obligation to pay for service and its satisfaction with the service performed. This provides evidence that the customer has accepted the service and Roto-Rooter is now entitled to payment. As such, Roto-Rooter recognizes revenue for these services upon completion of the job and receipt of customer acknowledgement. Roto-Rooter’s performance obligations for short-term core services and water restoration services relate to contracts with an expected duration of less than a year. Therefore, Roto-Rooter has elected to apply the optional exception provided in ASC 606 and is not required to disclose the aggregate amount of the transaction price allocated to performance obligations that are unsatisfied or partially unsatisfied at the end of the reporting period. Roto-Rooter does not have significant unsatisfied or partially unsatisfied performance obligations at the time of initial revenue recognition for short-term core or water restoration services.

Roto-Rooter owns the rights to certain territories and contracts with independent third-parties to operate the territory under Roto-Rooter’s registered trademarks. Such contracts are for a specified term but cancellable by either party without penalty with 90 days’ advance notice. Under the terms of these arrangements, Roto-Rooter provides certain back office support and advertising along with a limited license to use Roto-Rooter’s registered trademarks. The independent contractor is responsible for all day-to-day management of the business including staffing decisions and pricing of services provided. All performance obligations of Roto-Rooter cease at the termination of the arrangement.

Independent contractors pay Roto-Rooter a standard fee calculated as a percentage of their cash collection from weekly sales. The primary value for the independent contractors under these arrangements is the right to use Roto-Rooter’s registered trademarks. Roto-Rooter recognizes revenue from independent contractors over-time (weekly) as the independent contractor’s labor sales are completed and payment from customers are received. Payment from independent contractors is also received on a weekly basis. The use of Roto-Rooter’s registered trademarks and advertising provides immediate value to the independent contractor as a result of Roto-Rooter’s nationally recognized brand. Therefore, over-time recognition provides the most faithful depiction of the transfer of services as the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits provided. There is no significant variable consideration related to these arrangements.

Roto-Rooter has licensed the rights to operate under Roto-Rooter’s registered trademarks in other territories to franchisees. Each such contract is for a 10 year term but cancellable by Roto-Rooter for cause with 60 day advance notice without penalty. The franchisee may cancel the contract for any reason with 60 days advance notice without penalty. Under the terms of the contract, Roto-Rooter provides national advertising and consultation on various aspects of operating a Roto-Rooter business along with the right to use Roto-Rooter’s registered trademarks. The franchisee is responsible for all day- to-day management of the business including staffing decisions, pricing of services provided and local advertising spend and placement. All performance obligations of Roto-Rooter cease at the termination of the arrangement.

Franchisees pay Roto-Rooter a standard monthly fee based on the population within the franchise territory. The standard fee is revised on a yearly basis based on changes in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers. The primary value for the franchisees under this arrangement is the right to use Roto-Rooter’s registered trademarks. Roto-Rooter recognizes revenue from franchisees over-time (monthly). Payment from franchisees is also received on a monthly basis. The use of Roto-Rooter’s registered trademarks and advertising provides immediate value to the franchisees as a result of Roto-Rooter’s nationally recognized brand.

Therefore, over-time recognition provides the most faithful depiction of the transfer of services as the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits provided. There is no significant variable consideration related to these arrangements.

The composition of disaggregated revenue for the first quarter is as follows (in thousands):


	March 31,
	2020		2019
Short-term core service jobs	$	134,424	$	112,185
Water restoration		29,246		29,208
Contractor revenue		16,228		14,032
Franchise fees		1,190		1,621
All other		3,534		3,008
Subtotal	$	184,622	$	160,054
Implicit price concessions and credit memos		(6,740)		(4,801)
Net revenue	$	177,882	$	155,253

Segments

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Segments [Abstract]

Segments

3. Segments

Service revenues and sales by business segment are shown in Footnote 2. After-tax earnings by business segment are as follows (in thousands):



	Three months ended March 31,
	2020		2019
After-tax Income/(Loss)
VITAS	$	41,279	$	29,288
Roto-Rooter		24,322		22,986
Total		65,601		52,274
Corporate		(9,710)		(7,607)
Net income	$	55,891	$	44,667

We report corporate administrative expenses and unallocated investing and financing income and expense not directly related to either segment as “Corporate”.

Earnings Per Share

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Earnings Per Share[Abstract]

Earnings Per Share

4. Earnings per Share

Earnings per share (“EPS”) are computed using the weighted average number of shares of capital stock outstanding. Earnings and diluted earnings per share are computed as follows (in thousands, except per share data):


			Net Income
For the Three Months Ended March 31,		Income		Shares	Earnings per Share
2020
	Earnings	$	55,891	15,991	$	3.50
	Dilutive stock options		-	446
	Nonvested stock awards		-	79
	Diluted earnings	$	55,891	16,516	$	3.38

2019
	Earnings	$	44,667	15,954	$	2.80
	Dilutive stock options		-	494
	Nonvested stock awards		-	77
	Diluted earnings	$	44,667	16,525	$	2.70

For the three months ended March 31, 2020, there were 285,000 stock options excluded in the computation of dilutive earnings per share because they would have been anti-dilutive.

For the three months ended March 31, 2019, there were 246,000 stock options excluded in the computation of dilutive earnings per share because they would have been anti-dilutive.

Long-Term Debt And Lines Of Credit

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Long-Term Debt And Lines Of Credit [Abstract]

Long-Term Debt And Lines Of Credit

5. Long-Term Debt and Lines of Credit

On June 20, 2018, we replaced our existing credit agreement with the Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (“2018 Credit Agreement”). Terms of the 2018 Credit Agreement consist of a five year, $450 million revolving credit facility and a $150 million expansion feature, which may consist of term loans or additional revolving commitments. The interest rate at the inception of the agreement is LIBOR plus 100 basis points. The 2018 Credit Agreement has a floating interest rate that is generally LIBOR plus a tiered additional rate which varies based on our current leverage ratio. The amount outstanding as of March 31, 2020 is $160.0 million.

Debt issuance costs associated with the prior credit agreement were not written off as the lenders and their relative percentages participation in the facility did not change. With respect to the 2018 Credit Agreement, deferred financing costs were $1.0 million.

The 2018 Credit Agreement contains the following quarterly financial covenants effective as of March 31, 2020:



Description		Requirement

Leverage Ratio (Consolidated Indebtedness/Consolidated Adj. EBITDA)		< 3.50 to 1.00

Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (Consolidated Free Cash Flow/Consolidated Fixed Charges)		> 1.50 to 1.00

We are in compliance with all debt covenants as of March 31, 2020. We have issued $37.9 million in standby letters of credit as of March 31, 2020, mainly for insurance purposes. Issued letters of credit reduce our available credit under the 2018 Credit Agreement. As of March 31, 2020, we have approximately $252.1 million of unused lines of credit available and eligible to be drawn down under our revolving credit facility.

Other Operating Expenses/(Income)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Other Operating Expenses/(Income) [Abstract]

Other Operating Expenses/(Income)

6. Other Operating Expenses/(Income)


	Three months ended March 31,
	2020		2019

Loss on disposal of fixed assets	$	242	$	353
Litigation settlement		-		6,000
Total other operating expenses	$	242	$	6,353

During the three months ended March 31, 2019, the Company recorded $6.0 million for a potential legal settlement, which includes the settlement amount, estimated employment taxes and other litigation costs. See footnote 11 for further discussion.

Other (Expense)/Income - Net

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Other (Expense)/Income - Net [Abstract]

Other (Expense)/Income - Net

7. Other (Expense)/Income – Net

Other (expense)/income – net comprises the following (in thousands):



	Three months ended March 31,
	2020		2019
Market value adjustment on assets held in
deferred compensation trust	$	(9,572)	$	2,338
Interest income		106		101
Total other (expense)/income - net	$	(9,466)	$	2,439

Leases

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Leases [Abstract]

Leases

8. Leases

Chemed and each of its operating subsidiaries are service companies. As such, real estate leases comprise the largest lease obligation (and conversely, right of use asset) in our lease portfolio. VITAS has leased office space, as well as space for IPUs and/or contract beds within hospitals. Roto-Rooter has leased office space. Our leases have remaining terms of under 1 year to 10 years, some of which include options to extend the lease for up to 5 years, and some of which include options to terminate the lease within 1 year.

We do not currently have any finance leases, therefore all lease information disclosed is related to operating leases.

The components of balance sheet information related to leases were as follows:


	‎March 31,		‎December 31,
	2020		2019
Assets
Operating lease assets	$	112,302	$	111,652

Liabilities
Current operating leases		36,252		39,280
Noncurrent operating leases		88,278		86,656
Total operating lease liabilities	$	124,530	$	125,936

The components of lease expense were as follows:


	Three months ended ‎March 31,
	2020		2019
Lease Expense (a)
Operating lease expense	$	14,610	$	11,537
Sublease income		-		(6)
Net lease expense	$	14,610	$	11,531

(a)Includes short-term leases and variable lease costs, which are immaterial. Included in both cost of services provided and goods sold and selling, general and administrative expenses.

The components of cash flow information related to leases were as follows:


	Three months ended ‎March 31,
	2020		2019
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities
Operating cash flows from leases	$	12,028	$	9,987

Leased assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities	$	12,583	$	3,213


Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term at March 31, 2020
Operating leases	4.5	years


Weighted Average Discount Rate at March 31, 2020
Operating leases	3.24	%


Maturity of Operating Lease Liabilities (in thousands)

2020	$	32,855
2021		32,430
2022		24,360
2023		18,089
2024		12,948
Thereafter		13,387
Total lease payments	$	134,069
Less: interest		(9,423)
Less: future lease obligations not yet commenced		(116)
Total liability recognized on the balance sheet	$	124,530

For leases commencing prior to April 2019, minimum rental payments exclude payments to landlords for real estate taxes and common area maintenance. Operating lease payments include $2.3 million related to extended lease terms that are reasonably certain of being exercised and exclude $116,000 lease payments for leases signed but not yet commenced.

Stock-Based Compensation Plans

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Stock-Based Compensation Plans [Abstract]

Stock-Based Compensation Plans

9. Stock-Based Compensation Plans

On February 21, 2020, the Compensation/Incentive Committee of the Board of Directors (“CIC”) granted 5,156 Performance Stock Units (“PSUs”) contingent upon the achievement of certain total shareholder return (“TSR”) targets as compared to the TSR of a group of peer companies for the three year period ending December 31, 2022, the date at which such awards vest. The cumulative compensation cost of the TSR-based PSU award to be recorded over the three year service period is $3.3 million.

On February 21, 2020, the CIC also granted 5,156 PSUs contingent upon the achievement of certain earnings per share (“EPS”) targets for the three year period ending December 31, 2022. At the end of each reporting period, the Company estimates the number of shares that it believes will ultimately be earned and records the corresponding expense over the service period of the award. We currently estimate the cumulative compensation cost of the EPS-based PSUs to be recorded over the three year service period is $5.0 million.

Retirement Plans

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Retirement Plans [Abstract]

Retirement Plans

10. Retirement Plans

All of the Company’s plans that provide retirement and similar benefits are defined contribution plans. These expenses include the impact of market gains and losses on assets held in deferred compensation plans and are recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses. Net (losses)/gains for the Company’s retirement and profit-sharing plans, excess benefit plans and other similar plans are as follows (in thousands):



Three months ended March 31,
2020		2019
$	(4,414)	$	6,914

Legal And Regulatory Matters

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Legal And Regulatory Matters [Abstract]

Legal And Regulatory Matters

11. Legal and Regulatory Matters

The VITAS segment of the Company’s business operates in a heavily-regulated industry. As a result, the Company is subjected to inquiries and investigations by various government agencies, which can result in penalties including repayment obligations, funding withholding, or debarment, as well as to lawsuits, including qui tam actions. The following sections describe the various ongoing material lawsuits and investigations of which the Company is currently aware. Other than as described below, it is not possible at this time for us to estimate either the timing or outcome of any of those matters, or whether any potential loss, or range of potential losses, is probable or reasonably estimable.

Regulatory Matters and Litigation

On October 30, 2017, the Company entered into a settlement agreement (the “Settlement Agreement”) to resolve civil litigation under the False Claims Act brought by the United States Department of Justice (“DOJ”) on behalf of the OIG and various relators concerning VITAS, filed in the U.S. District Court of the Western District of Missouri. The Company denied any violation of law and agreed to settlement without admission of wrongdoing.

In connection with the settlement VITAS and certain of its subsidiaries entered into a corporate integrity agreement (“CIA”) on October 30, 2017. The CIA formalizes various aspects of VITAS’ already existing Compliance Program and contains requirements designed to document compliance with federal healthcare program requirements. It has a term of five years during which it imposes monitoring, reporting, certification, oversight, screening and training obligations, certain of which had previously been implemented by VITAS. It also requires VITAS to engage an Independent Review Organization to perform audit and review functions and to prepare reports regarding compliance with federal healthcare programs. In the event of breach of the CIA, VITAS could become liable for payment of stipulated penalties or could be excluded from participation in federal healthcare programs.

The Company entered into a settlement agreement in March 2019 that will resolve state-wide wage and hour class action claims raised in four separate cases: (1) Jordan A. Seper on behalf of herself and others similarly situated v. VITAS Healthcare Corporation of California, a Delaware corporation; VITAS Healthcare Corp of CA, a business entity unknown; and DOES 1 to 100, inclusive; Los Angeles Superior Court Case Number BC 642857 (“Seper”); (2) Jiwan Chhina v. VITAS Health Services of California, Inc., a California corporation; VITAS Healthcare Corporation of California, a Delaware corporation; VITAS Healthcare Corporation of California, a Delaware corporation dba VITAS Healthcare Inc.; and DOES 1 to 100, inclusive; San Diego Superior Court Case Number 37-2015-00033978-CU-OE-CTL (“Chhina”) (which was subsequently merged with Seper); (3) Chere Phillips and Lady Moore v. VITAS Healthcare Corporation of California, Sacramento County Superior Court, Case No. 34-2017-0021-2755 (“Phillips and Moore”); and (4) Williams v. VITAS Healthcare Corporation of California, Alameda County Superior Court Case No. RG 17853886 (“Williams”). These actions were brought by both current and former employees including a registered nurse, a licensed vocational nurse (LVN), home health aides and a social worker. Each action stated multiple claims generally including (1) failure to pay minimum wage for all hours worked; (2) failure to provide overtime for all hours worked; (3) failure to pay wages for all hours at the regular rate; (4) failure to provide meal periods; (5) failure to provide rest breaks; (6) failure to provide complete and accurate wage statements; (7) failure to pay for all reimbursement expenses; (8) unfair business practices; and (9) violation of the California Private Attorneys General Act. The

cases generally asserted claims on behalf of classes defined to include all current and former non-exempt employees employed with VITAS in California within the four years preceding the filing of each lawsuit. For additional procedural history of these cases, please refer to our prior quarterly and annual filings.

The Seper and Chhina cases were consolidated in Los Angeles County Superior Court; Chhina was dismissed as a separate action and joined with Seper in the filing of amended complaint on August 28, 2018, in which both Chhina and Seper were identified as named plaintiffs. Discovery in the remaining cases was stayed as to class claims and each court was advised of the pendency of the consolidated Seper/Chhina action. The parties engaged in a mediation process beginning in October 2018 and concluded with an agreement in March 2019. The settlement amount of $5.75 million plus employment taxes was recorded in the first quarter of 2019. As of December 31, 2019, $6.0 million was accrued in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet. The definition of the class to participate in the settlement is intended to cover claims raised in the consolidated Seper/Chhina matter, claims raised in Phillips and Moore, as well as any class claims in Williams. On January 28, 2020, the court granted preliminary approval of the settlement. A notice of the proposed settlement has been sent to the members of the class by the class claims administrator. The court has set the date for the final approval of the settlement hearing for May 21, 2020.

Alfred Lax (“Lax”), a current employee of Roto-Rooter Services Company (“RRSC”), was hired in RRSC’s Menlo Park branch in 2007. On November 30, 2018, Lax filed a class action lawsuit in Santa Clara County Superior Court alleging (1) failure to provide or compensate for required rest breaks; (2) failure to properly pay for all hours worked; (3) failure to provide accurate wage statements; (4) failure to reimburse for work-related expenses; and (5) unfair business practices. Lax stated these claims as a representative of a class defined as all service technicians employed by RRSC in California during the four years preceding the filing of the complaint. He seeks a determination that the action may proceed and be maintained as a class action and for compensatory and statutory damages (premium payments for missed rest periods, uncompensated rest periods, wages for time allegedly not paid such as travel time, repair time, and vehicle maintenance time, and unreimbursed expenses), penalties and restitutions, pre- and post-judgement interest and attorneys’ fees and costs. The lawsuit is, Alfred Lax on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated v. Roto-Rooter Services Company, and Does 1 through 50 inclusive; Santa Clara County Superior Court Case Number 18CV338652.

The Company is not able to reasonably estimate the probability of loss or range of loss for any of these lawsuits at this time, with the exception of Seper/Chhina, Phillips and Moore and the class claims in Williams.

The Company intends to defend vigorously against the allegations in the Lax lawsuit. Regardless of the outcome of any of the preceding matters, dealing with the various regulatory agencies and opposing parties can adversely affect us through defense costs, potential payments, withholding of governmental funding, diversion of management time, and related publicity. Although the Company intends to defend them vigorously, there can be no assurance that those suits will not have a material adverse effect on the Company.

Concentration Of Risk

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Concentration Of Risk [Abstract]

Concentration Of Risk

12. Concentration of Risk

As of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, approximately 70% and 71%, respectively, of VITAS’ total accounts receivable balance were from Medicare and 25% and 24%, respectively, of VITAS’ total accounts receivable balance were due from various state Medicaid or managed Medicaid programs. Combined accounts receivable from Medicare, Medicaid, and managed Medicaid represent approximately 75% of the consolidated net accounts receivable in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2020.

VITAS has a pharmacy services contract with one service provider for specified pharmacy services related to its hospice operations. A large majority of VITAS’ pharmaceutical purchases are from this vendor. The pharmaceuticals purchased by VITAS are available through many providers in the United States. However, a disruption from VITAS’ main service provider could adversely impact VITAS’ operations, including temporary logistical challenges and increased cost associated with getting medication to our patients.

Cash Overdrafts And Cash Equivalents

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Cash Overdrafts And Cash Equivalents [Abstract]

Cash Overdrafts And Cash Equivalents

13. Cash Overdrafts and Cash Equivalents

There are no cash overdrafts payable included in accounts payable at March 31, 2020 (December 31, 2019 - $9.8 million).

From time to time throughout the year, we invest excess cash in money market funds with major commercial banks. We closely monitor the creditworthiness of the institutions with which we invest our overnight funds. The amount invested was not material for each balance sheet date presented.

Financial Instruments

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Financial Instruments [Abstract]

Financial Instruments

14. Financial Instruments

FASB’s authoritative guidance on fair value measurements defines a hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs in fair value measurements. Level 1 measurements are measurements using quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 measurements use significant other observable inputs. Level 3 measurements are measurements using significant unobservable inputs which require a company to develop its own assumptions. In recording the fair value of assets and liabilities, companies must use the most reliable measurement available.

The following shows the carrying value, fair value and the hierarchy for our financial instruments as of March 31, 2020 (in thousands):


				Fair Value Measure
		Carrying Value		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Mutual fund investments of deferred
compensation plans held in trust	$	72,296	$	72,296	$	-	$	-
Total debt		160,000		-		160,000		-

The following shows the carrying value, fair value and the hierarchy for our financial instruments as of December 31, 2019 (in thousands):


				Fair Value Measure
		Carrying Value		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Mutual fund investments of deferred
compensation plans held in trust	$	77,446	$	77,446	$	-	$	-
Total debt		90,000		-		90,000		-

For cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable, the carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value because of the liquidity and short-term nature of these instruments. As further described in Footnote 5, our outstanding long-term debt and current portion of long-term debt have floating interest rates that are reset at short-term intervals, generally 30 or 60 days. The interest rate we pay also includes an additional amount based on our current leverage ratio. As such, we believe our borrowings reflect significant nonperformance risks, mainly credit risk. Based on these factors, we believe the fair value of our long-term debt and current portion of long-term debt approximate the carrying value.

Capital Stock Repurchase Plan Transactions

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Capital Stock Repurchase Plan Transactions [Abstract]

Capital Stock Repurchase Plan Transactions

15. Capital Stock Repurchase Plan Transactions

We repurchased the following capital stock:



	Three months ended March 31,
	2020		2019

Total cost of repurchased shares (in thousands)	$	100,235	$	49,250
Shares repurchased		225,000		150,000
Weighted average price per share	$	445.49	$	328.33

In March 2020, the Board of Directors authorized an additional $250.0 million for stock repurchase under Chemed’s existing share repurchase program. We currently have $253.8 million of authorization remaining under this share repurchase plan.

Recent Accounting Standards

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Recent Accounting Standards [Abstract]

Recent Accounting Standards

16. Recent Accounting Standards

In March 2020, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update “ASU No. 2020-04 - Reference Rate Reform”. The update provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contract modifications and hedging relationships, subject to meeting certain criteria, that reference LIBOR or another rate expected to be discontinued. The update is effective for all entities as of March 12, 2020 and will apply through December 31, 2022. The interest rate charged on borrowings from our existing revolver is based on LIBOR. The credit agreement includes provisions for modifying the interest rate in the instance that LIBOR is discontinued. As a result, no contract modifications will be required when LIBOR is discontinued.

In December 2019, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update “ASU No. 2019-12 – Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes”. The ASU adds new guidance to simplify accounting for income taxes, changes the accounting for certain income tax transactions and makes minor improvements to the codifications. The ASU is effective for the Company on January 1, 2021. We are currently evaluating the impact of this standard on our consolidated financial statements.

Acquisitions

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Acquisitions [Abstract]

Acquisitions

17. Acquisitions

On August 2, 2019, we entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement (the “Agreement”) to purchase substantially all of the assets of HSW RR, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“HSW”) and certain related assets of its affiliates, for $120 million, subject to a working capital adjustment that resulted in an additional $1.4 million payment to HSW. HSW owned and operated fourteen Roto-Rooter franchises mainly in the southwestern section of the United States, including Los Angeles, Dallas and Phoenix. Included in the assets purchased were the assets of Western Drain Supply, Inc., a plumbing supply company. The purchase was made using a combination of cash on-hand and borrowings under Chemed’s existing $450 million revolving credit facility. On September 16, 2019, we completed the acquisition.

On July 1, 2019, we completed the acquisition of a Roto-Rooter franchise and the related assets in Oakland, CA for $18.0 million in cash.

The acquisitions were made as a continuation of Roto-Rooter’s strategy to re-acquire franchises in large markets in the United States. The allocation for the two acquisitions completed in 2019 is as follows (in thousands):



	HSW		Oakland		Total
Goodwill	$	56,191	$	10,535	$	66,726
Reacquired franchise rights		52,980		6,190		59,170
Property, plant, and equipment		5,998		675		6,673
Working capital		3,760		22		3,782
Customer relationships		2,220		500		2,720
Non-compete agreements		140		100		240
Other assets and liabilities - net		128		23		151
	$	121,417	$	18,045	$	139,462

Reacquired franchise rights, included in identifiable intangibles on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, are amortized over the period remaining in each individual franchise agreement. The average amortization period for reacquired franchise rights for the acquisitions made in the third quarter of 2019 is 7.4 years.

The franchise fee revenue, the valuation of reacquired franchise rights and amortization for the acquired franchises are as follows:


					Annualized
			Valuation		Amortization of
	2018 Franchise		of Reacquired		Reacquired
	Revenue		Franchise Rights		Franchise Rights
HSW	$	1,782	$	52,980	$	7,258
Oakland		95		6,190		825
Subtotal		1,877	$	59,170	$	8,083
All other franchise territories		4,505
	$	6,382

‎

Amortization of reacquired franchise rights comprises the following (in thousands):


Three months ended March 31,
2020		2019

$	2,352	$	441

Customer relationships, included in identifiable intangibles on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, are amortized over an average amortization period of 20.4 years. Non-compete agreements are amortized over the period of the agreement. The average amortization period for non-compete agreements for the transactions made in the third quarter of 2019 is 4.0 years.

Goodwill is assessed for impairment on a yearly basis as of October 1. The primary factor that contributed to the purchase price resulting in the recognition of goodwill is operational efficiencies expected as a result of consolidating stand- alone franchises and Roto-Rooter’s network of nationwide branches. All goodwill recognized is deductible for tax purposes.

The pro forma revenue and earnings of the Company for March 31, 2019, as if all acquisitions made in fiscal 2019 were completed on January 1, 2019, are as follows: (in thousands, except per share data):


Service revenues and sales	$	484,106
Net income	$	47,936
Earnings per share	$	3.00
Diluted earnings per share	$	2.90

Shown below is movement in Goodwill (in thousands):


	VITAS		Roto-Rooter		Total
Balance at December 31, 2019	$	333,331	$	244,036	$	577,367
Foreign currency adjustments		-		(131)		(131)
Balance at March 31, 2020	$	333,331	$	243,905	$	577,236

Basis Of Presentation (Policy)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Basis Of Presentation

As used herein, the terms “We,” “Company” and “Chemed” refer to Chemed Corporation or Chemed Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries.

Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year financial statements to conform to current presentation.

Current Expected Credit Losses

CURRENT EXPECTED CREDIT LOSSES

ADDITIONS

(CHARGED)

CREDITED

(CHARGED)

BALANCE AT

TO COSTS

CREDITED

BALANCE

BEGINNING

AND

TO OTHER

AT END

DESCRIPTION

OF PERIOD

EXPENSES

ACCOUNTS

OTHER

OF PERIOD

March 31, 2020

(353)

(594)

(475)

(5)

(1,427)

Coronavirus Aid, Relief And Economic Stimulus (CARES) Act

CORONAVIRUS AID, RELIEF AND ECONOMIC STIMULUS (CARES) ACT

Lease Accounting

LEASE ACCOUNTING

Cloud Computing

CLOUD COMPUTING

Non-Employee Stock Compensation

NON-EMPLOYEE STOCK COMPENSATION

Income Taxes

INCOME TAXES

Non-Cash Transactions

NON-CASH TRANSACTIONS

Business Combinations

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

Basis Of Presentation (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Basis Of Presentation [Abstract]

Schedule Of Allowance For Doubtful Accounts

ADDITIONS

(CHARGED)

CREDITED

(CHARGED)

BALANCE AT

TO COSTS

CREDITED

BALANCE

BEGINNING

AND

TO OTHER

AT END

DESCRIPTION

OF PERIOD

EXPENSES

ACCOUNTS

OTHER

OF PERIOD

March 31, 2020

(353)

(594)

(475)

(5)

(1,427)

Revenue Recognition (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Revenue Recognition [Abstract]

Schedule Of Patient Care Service Revenue

The composition of patient care service revenue by payor and level of care for the quarter ended March 31, 2020 is as follows (in thousands):



	Medicare		Medicaid		Commercial		Total
Routine home care	$	253,965	$	12,133		5,664	$	271,762
Continuous care		37,132		1,871		1,552		40,555
Inpatient care		28,148		2,559		1,775		32,482
	$	319,245	$	16,563	$	8,991	$	344,799

All other revenue - self-pay, respite care, etc.								3,147
Subtotal							$	347,946
Medicare cap adjustment								(2,500)
Implicit price concessions								(4,149)
Room and board, net								(3,381)
Net revenue							$	337,916

The composition of patient care service revenue by payor and level of care for the quarter ended March 31, 2019 is as follows (in thousands):


	Medicare		Medicaid		Commercial		Total
Routine home care	$	241,700	$	11,673	$	5,474	$	258,847
Continuous care		28,973		1,787		1,484		32,244
Inpatient care		18,989		2,148		1,433		22,570
	$	289,662	$	15,608	$	8,391	$	313,661

All other revenue - self-pay, respite care, etc.								2,010
Subtotal							$	315,671
Medicare cap adjustment								(3,400)
Implicit price concessions								(2,948)
Room and board, net								(2,542)
Net revenue							$	306,781

Schedule Of Disaggregated Revenue

The composition of disaggregated revenue for the first quarter is as follows (in thousands):


	March 31,
	2020		2019
Short-term core service jobs	$	134,424	$	112,185
Water restoration		29,246		29,208
Contractor revenue		16,228		14,032
Franchise fees		1,190		1,621
All other		3,534		3,008
Subtotal	$	184,622	$	160,054
Implicit price concessions and credit memos		(6,740)		(4,801)
Net revenue	$	177,882	$	155,253

Segments (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Segments [Abstract]

Segment Data



	Three months ended March 31,
	2020		2019
After-tax Income/(Loss)
VITAS	$	41,279	$	29,288
Roto-Rooter		24,322		22,986
Total		65,601		52,274
Corporate		(9,710)		(7,607)
Net income	$	55,891	$	44,667

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Earnings Per Share[Abstract]

Schedule Of Computation Of Earnings Per Share


			Net Income
For the Three Months Ended March 31,		Income		Shares	Earnings per Share
2020
	Earnings	$	55,891	15,991	$	3.50
	Dilutive stock options		-	446
	Nonvested stock awards		-	79
	Diluted earnings	$	55,891	16,516	$	3.38

2019
	Earnings	$	44,667	15,954	$	2.80
	Dilutive stock options		-	494
	Nonvested stock awards		-	77
	Diluted earnings	$	44,667	16,525	$	2.70

Long-Term Debt And Lines of Credit (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Long-Term Debt And Lines Of Credit [Abstract]

Financial Debt Covenants



Description		Requirement

Leverage Ratio (Consolidated Indebtedness/Consolidated Adj. EBITDA)		< 3.50 to 1.00

Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (Consolidated Free Cash Flow/Consolidated Fixed Charges)		> 1.50 to 1.00

Other Operating Expenses/(Income) (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Other Operating Expenses/(Income) [Abstract]

Schedule Of Other Operating Expenses


	Three months ended March 31,
	2020		2019

Loss on disposal of fixed assets	$	242	$	353
Litigation settlement		-		6,000
Total other operating expenses	$	242	$	6,353

Other (Expense)/Income - Net (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Other (Expense)/Income - Net [Abstract]

Schedule Of Other (Expense)/Income - Net



	Three months ended March 31,
	2020		2019
Market value adjustment on assets held in
deferred compensation trust	$	(9,572)	$	2,338
Interest income		106		101
Total other (expense)/income - net	$	(9,466)	$	2,439

Leases (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Leases [Abstract]

Components Of Balance Sheet Information Related To Leases


	‎March 31,		‎December 31,
	2020		2019
Assets
Operating lease assets	$	112,302	$	111,652

Liabilities
Current operating leases		36,252		39,280
Noncurrent operating leases		88,278		86,656
Total operating lease liabilities	$	124,530	$	125,936

Components Of Lease Expense


	Three months ended ‎March 31,
	2020		2019
Lease Expense (a)
Operating lease expense	$	14,610	$	11,537
Sublease income		-		(6)
Net lease expense	$	14,610	$	11,531

(a)Includes short-term leases and variable lease costs, which are immaterial. Included in both cost of services provided and goods sold and selling, general and administrative expenses.

Components Of Cash Flow Information Related To Leases


	Three months ended ‎March 31,
	2020		2019
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities
Operating cash flows from leases	$	12,028	$	9,987

Leased assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities	$	12,583	$	3,213


Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term at March 31, 2020
Operating leases	4.5	years


Weighted Average Discount Rate at March 31, 2020
Operating leases	3.24	%

Summary Of Maturity Of Operating Lease Liabilities


Maturity of Operating Lease Liabilities (in thousands)

2020	$	32,855
2021		32,430
2022		24,360
2023		18,089
2024		12,948
Thereafter		13,387
Total lease payments	$	134,069
Less: interest		(9,423)
Less: future lease obligations not yet commenced		(116)
Total liability recognized on the balance sheet	$	124,530

Retirement Plans (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Retirement Plans [Abstract]

Schedule Of Net (Losses)/Expenses For Retirement, Profit-Sharing Plans, Excess Benefit Plans And Other Similar Plans



Three months ended March 31,
2020		2019
$	(4,414)	$	6,914

Financial Instruments (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Financial Instruments [Abstract]

Carrying Value, Fair Value And Hierarchy Of Financial Instruments

The following shows the carrying value, fair value and the hierarchy for our financial instruments as of March 31, 2020 (in thousands):


				Fair Value Measure
		Carrying Value		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Mutual fund investments of deferred
compensation plans held in trust	$	72,296	$	72,296	$	-	$	-
Total debt		160,000		-		160,000		-

The following shows the carrying value, fair value and the hierarchy for our financial instruments as of December 31, 2019 (in thousands):


				Fair Value Measure
		Carrying Value		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Mutual fund investments of deferred
compensation plans held in trust	$	77,446	$	77,446	$	-	$	-
Total debt		90,000		-		90,000		-

Capital Stock Repurchase Plan Transactions (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Capital Stock Repurchase Plan Transactions [Abstract]

Schedule Of Repurchased Capital Stock



	Three months ended March 31,
	2020		2019

Total cost of repurchased shares (in thousands)	$	100,235	$	49,250
Shares repurchased		225,000		150,000
Weighted average price per share	$	445.49	$	328.33

Acquisitions (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Acquisitions [Abstract]

Schedule Of Business Acquisitions



	HSW		Oakland		Total
Goodwill	$	56,191	$	10,535	$	66,726
Reacquired franchise rights		52,980		6,190		59,170
Property, plant, and equipment		5,998		675		6,673
Working capital		3,760		22		3,782
Customer relationships		2,220		500		2,720
Non-compete agreements		140		100		240
Other assets and liabilities - net		128		23		151
	$	121,417	$	18,045	$	139,462

Schedule Of Franchise Revenue, Valuation And Amortization Of Reacquired Franchise Rights


					Annualized
			Valuation		Amortization of
	2018 Franchise		of Reacquired		Reacquired
	Revenue		Franchise Rights		Franchise Rights
HSW	$	1,782	$	52,980	$	7,258
Oakland		95		6,190		825
Subtotal		1,877	$	59,170	$	8,083
All other franchise territories		4,505
	$	6,382

Schedule Of Amortization Of Reacquired Franchise Agreements


Three months ended March 31,
2020		2019

$	2,352	$	441

Schedule Of Business Acquisitions Pro Forma Of Operations


Service revenues and sales	$	484,106
Net income	$	47,936
Earnings per share	$	3.00
Diluted earnings per share	$	2.90

Schedule Of Movement In Goodwill


	VITAS		Roto-Rooter		Total
Balance at December 31, 2019	$	333,331	$	244,036	$	577,367
Foreign currency adjustments		-		(131)		(131)
Balance at March 31, 2020	$	333,331	$	243,905	$	577,236

Basis Of Presentation (Narrative) (Details)	3 Months Ended		8 Months Ended
Basis Of Presentation (Narrative) (Details)	Mar. 31, 2020 USD ($) item	Mar. 31, 2019 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020 USD ($)	Apr. 10, 2020 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)	Jan. 01, 2019 USD ($)
Standby letters of credit	$ 37,900,000
Expected credit losses from COVID-19	594,000
Deferred income taxes	2,290,000	$ (3,489,000)
Revenue	515,798,000	$ 462,034,000
Lease right of use assets	112,302,000				$ 111,652,000
Lease liabilities	$ 124,530,000				125,936,000
Weighted average rate	3.24%
Number of cloud computing arrangements \| item	2
Effective tax rate	18.90%	12.10%
Excess tax benefit on stock options reduced income tax expense	$ 4,600,000	$ 6,700,000
Capitalized property and equipment	1,700,000				$ 1,800,000
CARES Act [Member]
Deferred income taxes	8,800,000
Relief Fund	100,000,000,000
CARES Act - 2019 Medicare Fee-For-Service [Member]
Relief Fund	30,000,000,000
ASU 2016-02 [Member]
Lease right of use assets						$ 93,100,000
Lease liabilities						$ 104,300,000
Weighted average rate						3.47%
Cloud Computing [Member]
Capitalized contract cost	6,000,000.0
VITAS [Member] \| CARES Act [Member] \| Subsequent Event [Member]
Relief Fund				$ 30,000,000,000
VITAS [Member] \| CARES Act - 2019 Medicare Fee-For-Service [Member] \| Subsequent Event [Member]
Relief Fund				$ 80,200,000
VITAS [Member] \| Forecast [Member]
Percentage of Medicare sequestration reimbursement			2.00%
VITAS [Member] \| Forecast [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Revenue			$ 15,000,000
VITAS [Member] \| Forecast [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Revenue			$ 20,000,000
VITAS [Member] \| Cloud Computing [Member]
Capitalized contract cost, amortization expense	$ 262,000
Capitalized contract cost, amortization period	5 years
Roto-Rooter [Member]
Expected credit losses from COVID-19	$ 524,000
Roto-Rooter [Member] \| Cloud Computing [Member]
Capitalized contract cost, amortization expense	$ 0

Basis Of Presentation (Schedule Of Allowance For Doubtful Accounts) (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020 USD ($)
BALANCE AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD	$ (353)
(CHARGED) CREDITED TO COSTS AND EXPENSES	(594)
(CHARGED) CREDITED TO OTHER ACCOUNTS	(475)
OTHER	(5)
BALANCE AT END OF PERIOD	(1,427)
Roto-Rooter [Member]
(CHARGED) CREDITED TO COSTS AND EXPENSES	$ (524)

Revenue Recognition (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2013
Three Program Projected Measurement Period Liability [Member]
Revenue Recognition [line items]
Additional Medicare cap adjustment related to prior cap liabilities			$ 8.3
Roto-Rooter [Member]
Revenue Recognition [line items]
Credit payment terms	30 days
Duration of advance notice of cancellation without penalty for both parties	90 days
Term of contract	10 years
Duration of advance notice of cancelation without penatly	60 days
Roto-Rooter [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Revenue Recognition [line items]
Duration of services provided	5 days
Roto-Rooter [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Revenue Recognition [line items]
Duration of services provided	3 days
VITAS [Member]
Revenue Recognition [line items]
Period of tier one care rate	60 days
Period of tier two care rate	61 days
Period of services provided after discharge	12 months
Period of service intensity add-on payment	7 days
Reimbursement period per day	4 hours
Reimbursement increments	15 minutes
Minimum amount of care per 24-hr period	8 hours
Charity care cost	$ 2.2	$ 2.1
Percentage of automatic budget reductions				2.00%
Percentage of medicaid reimbursement	95.00%
Percentage of expenses	5.00%
VITAS [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Revenue Recognition [line items]
Inpatient cap percentage	20.00%
VITAS [Member] \| Five Programs Projected Measurement Period Liability [Member]
Revenue Recognition [line items]
Medicare cap adjustment	$ 2.5
VITAS [Member] \| Three Program Projected Measurement Period Liability [Member]
Revenue Recognition [line items]
Medicare cap adjustment		$ 3.4

Revenue Recognition (Schedule Of Patient Care Service Revenue) (Details) - VITAS [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
Patient care service revenue	$ 347,946	$ 315,671
Net revenue	337,916	306,781
Routine Home Care [Member]
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
Patient care service revenue	271,762	258,847
Continuous Care [Member]
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
Patient care service revenue	40,555	32,244
Inpatient Care [Member]
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
Patient care service revenue	32,482	22,570
Care Services Total [Member]
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
Patient care service revenue	344,799	313,661
All Other Revenue- Self-pay, Respite Care, Etc. [Member]
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
Patient care service revenue	3,147	2,010
Medicare Cap [Member]
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
Medicare cap adjustment	(2,500)	(3,400)
Implicit Price Concessions [Member]
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
Implicit price concessions	(4,149)	(2,948)
Room And Board [Member]
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
Room and board, net	(3,381)	(2,542)
Medicare [Member] \| Routine Home Care [Member]
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
Patient care service revenue	253,965	241,700
Medicare [Member] \| Continuous Care [Member]
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
Patient care service revenue	37,132	28,973
Medicare [Member] \| Inpatient Care [Member]
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
Patient care service revenue	28,148	18,989
Medicare [Member] \| Care Services Total [Member]
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
Patient care service revenue	319,245	289,662
Medicaid [Member] \| Routine Home Care [Member]
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
Patient care service revenue	12,133	11,673
Medicaid [Member] \| Continuous Care [Member]
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
Patient care service revenue	1,871	1,787
Medicaid [Member] \| Inpatient Care [Member]
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
Patient care service revenue	2,559	2,148
Medicaid [Member] \| Care Services Total [Member]
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
Patient care service revenue	16,563	15,608
Commercial [Member] \| Routine Home Care [Member]
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
Patient care service revenue	5,664	5,474
Commercial [Member] \| Continuous Care [Member]
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
Patient care service revenue	1,552	1,484
Commercial [Member] \| Inpatient Care [Member]
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
Patient care service revenue	1,775	1,433
Commercial [Member] \| Care Services Total [Member]
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
Patient care service revenue	$ 8,991	$ 8,391

Revenue Recognition (Schedule Of Disaggregated Revenue) (Details) - Roto-Rooter [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Subtotal	$ 184,622	$ 160,054
Implicit price concessions and credit memos	(6,740)	(4,801)
Net revenue	177,882	155,253
Short-Term Core Service Jobs [Member]
Subtotal	134,424	112,185
Water Restoration [Member]
Subtotal	29,246	29,208
Contractor Revenue [Member]
Subtotal	16,228	14,032
Franchise Fees [Member]
Subtotal	1,190	1,621
All Other [Member]
Subtotal	$ 3,534	$ 3,008

Segments (Segment Data) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
Segments (Segment Data) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net income	$ 55,891	$ 44,667
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net income	65,601	52,274
VITAS [Member] \| Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net income	41,279	29,288
Roto-Rooter [Member] \| Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net income	24,322	22,986
Corporate [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net income	$ (9,710)	$ (7,607)

- Definition

The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

+ References + Details

Earnings Per Share (Narrative) (Details) - shares	3 Months Ended
Earnings Per Share (Narrative) (Details) - shares	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Earnings Per Share[Abstract]
Excluded stock options	285,000	246,000

Earnings Per Share (Schedule Of Computation Of Earnings Per Share) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Earnings Per Share[Abstract]
Earnings	$ 55,891	$ 44,667
Diluted earnings	$ 55,891	$ 44,667
Earnings, Shares	15,991	15,954
Dilutive stock options, Shares	446	494
Nonvested stock awards, Shares	79	77
Diluted earnings, Shares	16,516	16,525
Earnings, Earnings per Share	$ 3.50	$ 2.80
Diluted earnings, Earnings per Share	$ 3.38	$ 2.70

- Definition

The amount of net income (loss) for the period per each share of common stock or unit outstanding during the reporting period.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 220
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04(19))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116637232&loc=SL114874131-224263

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 260
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 7
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=117326831&loc=d3e1337-109256

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 260
-SubTopic 10
-Section 55
-Paragraph 52
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=117327953&loc=d3e4984-109258

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03(21))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116634182&loc=SL114868664-224227

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 250
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 11
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109234566&loc=d3e22694-107794

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 260
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6371337&loc=d3e3550-109257

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 260
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=117326831&loc=d3e1252-109256

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 220
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-04(23))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116637391&loc=SL114874048-224260

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 260
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 60B
-Subparagraph (d)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=117326831&loc=SL5780133-109256

+ Details

- Definition

The amount of net income (loss) for the period available to each share of common stock or common unit outstanding during the reporting period and to each share or unit that would have been outstanding assuming the issuance of common shares or units for all dilutive potential common shares or units outstanding during the reporting period.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 260
-SubTopic 10
-Section 55
-Paragraph 52
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=117327953&loc=d3e4984-109258

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 260
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=117326831&loc=d3e1252-109256

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 260
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6371337&loc=d3e3550-109257

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 220
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-04(23))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116637391&loc=SL114874048-224260

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 250
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 11
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109234566&loc=d3e22694-107794

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 260
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 7
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=117326831&loc=d3e1337-109256

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03(21))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116634182&loc=SL114868664-224227

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 260
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 60B
-Subparagraph (d)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=117326831&loc=SL5780133-109256

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 220
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04(19))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116637232&loc=SL114874131-224263

+ Details

- Definition

The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

+ References + Details

Long-Term Debt And Lines of Credit (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Aug. 02, 2019	Jun. 20, 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Standby letters of credit	$ 37,900,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Borrowing amount		$ 450,000,000
2018 Credit Agreement [Member] \| Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility period, years	5 years
Borrowing amount			$ 450,000,000
Amount outstanding	$ 160,000,000.0
Deferred financing costs	1,000,000.0
Unused lines of credit	$ 252,100,000
2018 Credit Agreement [Member] \| Revolving Credit Facility [Member] \| LIBOR [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable interest rate	100.00%
2018 Credit Agreement [Member] \| Expansion Feature [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Borrowing amount			$ 150,000,000

Long-Term Debt And Lines of Credit (Financial Debt Covenants) (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Leverage Ratio (Consolidated Indebtedness/Consolidated Adj. EBITDA), Requirement	1.00
Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (Consolidated Free Cash Flow/Consolidated Fixed Charges), Requirement	1.00
Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Leverage Ratio (Consolidated Indebtedness/Consolidated Adj. EBITDA), Requirement	3.50
Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (Consolidated Free Cash Flow/Consolidated Fixed Charges), Requirement	1.50

Other Operating Expenses/(Income) (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Other Operating Expenses [Line Items]
Total other operating expenses	$ 242	$ 6,353
Litigation Settlement [Member]
Other Operating Expenses [Line Items]
Total other operating expenses		$ 6,000

Other Operating Expenses/(Income) (Schedule Of Other Operating Expenses/(Income)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Total other operating expenses	$ 242	$ 6,353
Loss On Disposal Of Fixed Assets [Member]
Total other operating expenses	$ 242	353
Litigation Settlement [Member]
Total other operating expenses		$ 6,000

Other (Expense)/Income - Net (Schedule Of Other (Expense)/Income - Net) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Other (Expense)/Income - Net [Abstract]
Market value adjustment on assets held in deferred compensation trust	$ (9,572)	$ 2,338
Interest income	106	101
Total other (expense)/income - net	$ (9,466)	$ 2,439

Leases (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
Leases (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Option to extend the lease, term	up to 5 years
Option to terminate the lease, term	within 1 year
Operating lease payments related to extended lease terms		$ 2,300
Lease payments for leases signed, but not yet commenced		$ 116
Minimum [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Remaining terms of leases under operating lease	1 year
Maximum [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Remaining terms of leases under operating lease	10 years

Leases (Components Of Balance Sheet Information Related To Leases) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Assets
Operating lease assets	$ 112,302	$ 111,652
Liabilities
Current operating leases	36,252	39,280
Noncurrent operating leases	88,278	86,656
Total operating lease liabilities	$ 124,530	$ 125,936

Leases (Components Of Lease Expense) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Mar. 31, 2019

Lease Expense

Operating lease expense

^[1]

$ 14,610

$ 11,537

Sublease income

^[1]

(6)

Net lease expense

^[1]

$ 14,610

$ 11,531

[1]	Includes short-term leases and variable lease costs, which are immaterial. Included in both cost of services provided and goods sold and selling, general and administrative expenses.

Leases (Components Of Cash Flow Information Related To Leases) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities
Operating cash flows from leases	$ 12,028	$ 9,987
Leased asset obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities	$ 12,583	$ 3,213
Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term, Operating leases	4 years 6 months
Weighted Average Discount Rate, Operating leases	3.24%

Leases (Summary Of Maturity Of Operating Lease Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
2020	$ 32,855
2021	32,430
2022	24,360
2023	18,089
2024	12,948
Thereafter	13,387
Total lease payments	134,069
Less: interest	(9,423)
Less: future lease obligations not yet commenced	(116)
Total liability recognized on the balance sheet	$ 124,530	$ 125,936

Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended
	Feb. 21, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020
Performance Based TSR [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares vesting period, years		3 years
Cumulative compensation expense	$ 3.3
Performance Based EPS [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares vesting period, years		3 years
Cumulative compensation expense	$ 5.0
Compensation/Incentive Committee [Member] \| Perfromance Stock Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares of stock granted - target	5,156

Retirement Plans (Schedule Of Net (Losses)/Expenses For Retirement, Profit-Sharing Plans, Excess Benefit Plans And Other Similar Plans) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Retirement Plans [Abstract]
Defined contribution plans (losses)/gains	$ (4,414)	$ 6,914

Legal And Regulatory Matters (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Accrued legal	$ 7,114		$ 6,941
Seper/Chhina v. VITAS [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Settlement amount		$ 5,750
Accrued legal			$ 6,000
Lax v. Roto-Rooter [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Period of preceding the filing of the lawsuit	4 years

Concentration Of Risk (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Concentration Of Risk (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2020 USD ($) item	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Accounts payable \| $	$ 37,838	$ 51,101
VITAS [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Number of service providers \| item	1
Medicare [Member] \| Accounts Receivable [Member] \| VITAS [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	70.00%	71.00%
Medicaid [Member] \| Accounts Receivable [Member] \| VITAS [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	25.00%	24.00%
Medicare And Medicaid [Member] \| Accounts Receivable [Member] \| VITAS [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	75.00%

Cash Overdrafts And Cash Equivalents (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Cash Overdrafts And Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Cash overdrafts included in accounts payable	$ 0	$ 9,800,000

Financial Instruments (Narrative) (Details)	3 Months Ended
Financial Instruments (Narrative) (Details)	Mar. 31, 2020
Minimum [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Period in which the interest rate will reset	30 days
Maximum [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Period in which the interest rate will reset	60 days

Financial Instruments (Carrying Value, Fair Value And Hierarchy Of Financial Instruments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Carrying Value [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mutual fund investments of deferred compensation plans held in trust	$ 72,296	$ 77,446
Total debt	160,000	90,000
Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mutual fund investments of deferred compensation plans held in trust	72,296	77,446
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total debt	$ 160,000	$ 90,000

Capital Stock Repurchase Plan Transactions (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2020 USD ($)
Capital Stock Repurchase Plan Transactions [Abstract]
Stock repurchase program, amount authorized	$ 250.0
Stock repurchase program, remaining authorized repurchase amount	$ 253.8

Capital Stock Repurchase Plan Transactions (Schedule Of Repurchased Capital Stock) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Capital Stock Repurchase Plan Transactions [Abstract]
Total cost of repurchased shares	$ 100,235	$ 49,250
Shares repurchased	225,000	150,000
Weighted average price per share	$ 445.49	$ 328.33

Acquisitions (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions			3 Months Ended
Acquisitions (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Aug. 02, 2019	Jul. 01, 2019	Mar. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Reacquired Franchise Rights [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Average amortization period				7 years 4 months 24 days
Customer Relationships [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Average amortization period			20 years 4 months 24 days
Non-Compete Agreements [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Average amortization period				4 years
Roto-Rooter, Oakland [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Acquisition date			Jul. 01, 2019
Business combination cost		$ 18.0
Roto-Rooter [Member] \| HSW RR, Inc [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Business combination cost	$ 120.0
Additional business combination cost	1.4
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Borrowing amount	$ 450.0

Acquisitions (Schedule Of Business Acquisitions) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 577,236	$ 577,367
HSW RR, Inc [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill		56,191
Property, plant, and equipment		5,998
Working capital		3,760
Other assets and liabilities - net		128
Purchase price		121,417
Roto-Rooter, Oakland [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill		10,535
Property, plant, and equipment		675
Working capital		22
Other assets and liabilities - net		23
Purchase price		18,045
HSW And Oakland [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill		66,726
Property, plant, and equipment		6,673
Working capital		3,782
Other assets and liabilities - net		151
Purchase price		139,462
Reacquired Franchise Rights [Member] \| HSW RR, Inc [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangibles		52,980
Reacquired Franchise Rights [Member] \| Roto-Rooter, Oakland [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangibles		6,190
Reacquired Franchise Rights [Member] \| HSW And Oakland [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangibles		59,170
Customer Relationships [Member] \| HSW RR, Inc [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangibles		2,220
Customer Relationships [Member] \| Roto-Rooter, Oakland [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangibles		500
Customer Relationships [Member] \| HSW And Oakland [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangibles		2,720
Non-Compete Agreements [Member] \| HSW RR, Inc [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangibles		140
Non-Compete Agreements [Member] \| Roto-Rooter, Oakland [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangibles		100
Non-Compete Agreements [Member] \| HSW And Oakland [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangibles		$ 240

Acquisitions (Schedule Of Franchise Revenue, Valuation And Amortization Of Reacquired Franchise Rights) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 515,798	$ 462,034
Franchise [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenue			$ 6,382
HSW RR, Inc [Member] \| Franchise [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenue			1,782
Roto-Rooter, Oakland [Member] \| Franchise [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenue			95
HSW And Oakland [Member] \| Franchise [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenue			1,877
All Other Franchise Territories [Member] \| Franchise [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenue			4,505
Reacquired Franchise Rights [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Annualized Amortization of	$ 2,352	$ 441
Reacquired Franchise Rights [Member] \| HSW RR, Inc [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Valuation of			52,980
Annualized Amortization of			7,258
Reacquired Franchise Rights [Member] \| Roto-Rooter, Oakland [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Valuation of			6,190
Annualized Amortization of			825
Reacquired Franchise Rights [Member] \| HSW And Oakland [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Valuation of			59,170
Annualized Amortization of			$ 8,083

Acquisitions (Schedule Of Amortization Of Reacquired Franchise Agreements) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Reacquired Franchise Rights [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Amortization of reacquired franchise agreements	$ 2,352	$ 441

Acquisitions (Schedule Of Business Acquisitions Pro Forma Of Operations) (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019 USD ($) $ / shares
Acquisitions [Abstract]
Service revenues and sales \| $	$ 484,106
Net income \| $	$ 47,936
Earnings per share \| $ / shares	$ 3.00
Diluted earnings per share \| $ / shares	$ 2.90

Acquisitions (Schedule Of Movement In Goodwill) (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020 USD ($)
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$ 577,367
Foreign currency adjustments	(131)
Ending balance	577,236
VITAS [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance	333,331
Foreign currency adjustments
Ending balance	333,331
Roto-Rooter [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance	244,036
Foreign currency adjustments	(131)
Ending balance	$ 243,905