Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies

1.    Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

NATURE OF OPERATIONS

We operate through our two wholly-owned subsidiaries: VITAS Healthcare Corporation (“VITAS”) and Roto-Rooter Group, Inc. (“Roto-Rooter”). VITAS focuses on hospice care that helps make terminally ill patients' final days as comfortable as possible. Through its team of doctors, nurses, home health aides, social workers, clergy and volunteers, VITAS provides direct medical services to patients, as well as spiritual and emotional counseling to both patients and their families. Roto-Rooter provides plumbing, drain cleaning and water restoration services to both residential and commercial customers. Through its network of company-owned branches, independent contractors and franchisees, Roto-Rooter offers plumbing, drain cleaning service and water restoration to approximately 90% of the U.S. population.

PRINCIPLES OF ACCOUNTING

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going-concern basis. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Chemed Corporation and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated. We have analyzed the provisions of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) authoritative guidance on the consolidation of variable interest entities relative to our contractual relationships with Roto-Rooter’s independent contractors and franchisees. The guidance requires the primary beneficiary of a Variable Interest Entity (“VIE”) to consolidate the accounts of the VIE. We have concluded that neither the independent contractors nor the franchisees are VIEs.

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 Note 3, 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 year end December 31, 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 judgment, 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 year ended December 31, 2020 related to expected credit losses from COVID-19 issues was $657,000. 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 for the year ended December 31, 2020 represents management’s current best estimate.

				ADDITIONS
				(CHARGED)
				CREDITED		(CHARGED)
				TO COSTS		CREDITED
		BALANCE AT		AND		TO OTHER						BALANCE AT
DESCRIPTION		1/1/2020		EXPENSES		ACCOUNTS		DEDUCTIONS		OTHER		12/31/2020
December 31, 2020	$	(353)	$	(657)	$	(475)	$	488	$	(25)	$	(1,022)

CORONAVIRUS AID, RELIEF AND ECONOMIC STIMULUS (CARES) ACT

The current COVID-19 pandemic had a material impact on our results of operations, cash flow and financial position as of December 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. To date, we have seen shifts in demand and mix of services, changes in referral patterns, and an increase in usage and reliance on our technology infrastructure, among other changes. 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 are significant economic impacts for Chemed and its subsidiaries as a result of specific provisions of the CARES Act:

A portion of the CARES Act provides $100 billion from the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund (“Relief Fund”) to healthcare providers on the front lines of the coronavirus response. Of this distribution, $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 received $80.2 million from the Relief Fund based upon VITAS’s 2019 Medicare fee-for-service revenue. The main condition that is attached to the grant is that the money will be used “only for health care related expenses or lost revenues that are attributable to coronavirus”. HHS guidance does not specifically designate what healthcare expenses are related to COVID-19. The guidance to date is general and broad but does provide some examples such as equipment and supplies, workforce training, reporting COVID-19 test results, securing separate facilities for COVID-19 patients and acquiring additional resources to expand or preserve care delivery. VITAS has cared for approximately 5,700 COVID positive patients through December 31, 2020.

The additional conditions to the Relief Fund payment are specific in nature, such as the money cannot be used for gun control advocacy purposes, abortions, embryo research, etc. The Company is in compliance, and intends to maintain compliance, with these specific conditions. Based on this analysis, management believes that there is reasonable assurance that VITAS will comply with the conditions.

Chemed and its subsidiaries have deferred $36.4 million of certain employer payroll taxes as permitted by the CARES Act. $18.2 million is classified as a short-term liability and $18.2 million is classified as a long-term liability.

During the period from May 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020, the 2% Medicare sequestration reimbursement cut is suspended. For the year ended December 31, 2020 approximately $16.8 million was recognized as revenue due to the suspension of sequestration.

On December 27, 2020, a second COVID-19 relief bill was signed into law. Among other things, this bill extended the suspension of the 2% sequestration cut through March 31, 2021.

There is no U.S. GAAP that covers accounting for such government “grants” to for-profit entities. As a result, the Company analogized to International Accounting Standard 20 – Accounting for Government Grants and Disclosures (“IAS 20”). Under IAS 20, once it is reasonably assured that the entity will comply with the conditions of the grant, the grant money should be recognized on a systematic basis over the periods in which the entity recognizes the related expenses or losses.

The components of the amount recognized are as follows, (in thousands):

Lost revenue	$	44,784
Incremental PTO		21,425
Hard costs		14,016
Other operating income	$	80,225

Hard costs are primarily expenses paid to outside vendors for personal protection equipment, COVID testing for front line workers, and deep cleaning of in-patient facilities. In April, VITAS provided an extra two weeks of paid time off (“PTO”) to all frontline workers.

During the year ended December 31, 2020, VITAS recognized $44.8 million for estimated lost revenue as a result of the pandemic. The December 27, 2020 COVID-19 relief bill gave providers multiple options to calculate lost revenue including budget to actual comparisons, 2019 actual to 2020 actual comparisons, or other systematic methods of calculation. We calculated lost revenue using the budget to actual method. Our 2020 budget was compiled, reviewed and approved prior to the start of the pandemic. Lost revenues for 2020 based on our calculation was $61.4 million, however only $44.8 million was recognized for use under the grant received.

All CARES Act funds received have been fully recognized as of December 31, 2020. However, the rules concerning utilization of the funds continue to evolve and we will continue to comply with those applicable to us, subsequent to year end.

CASH EQUIVALENTS

Cash equivalents comprise short-term, highly liquid investments, including money market funds that have original maturities of three months or less.

CONCENTRATION OF RISK

As of December 31, 2020, and 2019, approximately 74% and 71%, respectively, of VITAS’ total accounts receivable balance were from Medicare and 20% and 26%, 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 80% of the consolidated net accounts receivable in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of December 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.

INVENTORIES

Substantially all of the inventories are either general merchandise or finished goods. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. For determining the value of inventories, cost methods that reasonably approximate the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method are used.

DEPRECIATION AND PROPERTIES AND EQUIPMENT

Depreciation of properties and equipment is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of the remaining lease terms (excluding option terms) or their useful lives. Expenditures for maintenance, repairs, renewals and betterments that do not materially prolong the useful lives of the assets are expensed as incurred. The cost of property retired or sold and the related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts, and the resulting gain or loss is reflected currently in other operating expense or other income, net.

Expenditures for major software purchases and software developed for internal use are capitalized and depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. For software developed for internal use, external direct costs for materials and services and certain internal payroll and related fringe benefit costs are capitalized in accordance with the FASB’s authoritative guidance on accounting for the costs of computer software developed or obtained for internal use.

The weighted average lives of our property and equipment at December 31, 2020, were:

Buildings and building improvements	14.9	yrs.
Transportation equipment	9.6
Machinery and equipment	5.0
Computer software	4.1
Furniture and fixtures	4.6

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The table below shows a rollforward of Goodwill (in thousands):

			Roto-
	Vitas		Rooter		Total
Balance at December 31, 2018	$	333,331	$	177,239	$	510,570
Business combinations		-		66,726		66,726
Foreign currency adjustments		-		71		71
Balance at December 31, 2019	$	333,331	$	244,036	$	577,367
Business combinations		-		1,193		1,193
Foreign currency adjustments		-		25		25
Balance at December 31, 2020	$	333,331	$	245,254	$	578,585

Identifiable, definite-lived intangible assets arise from purchase business combinations and are amortized using either an accelerated method or the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The selection of an amortization method is based on which method best reflects the economic pattern of usage of the asset. Reacquired franchise rights are amortized over the remaining term of the franchise agreement at the time of acquisition. The weighted average lives of our identifiable, definite-lived intangible assets at December 31, 2020, were:

Covenants not to compete	6.5	yrs.
Reacquired franchise rights	7.4
Referral networks	10.0
Customer lists	16.8

The date of our annual goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment analysis is October 1. The VITAS trade name is considered to have an indefinite life. We also capitalize the direct costs of obtaining licenses to operate either hospice programs or plumbing operations subject to a minimum capitalization threshold. These costs are amortized over the life of the license using the straight-line method. Certificates of Need (“CON”), which are required in certain states for hospice operations, are generally granted without expiration and thus, we believe them to be indefinite-lived assets subject to impairment testing.

We consider that Roto-Rooter Corp. (“RRC”), Roto-Rooter Services Co. (“RRSC”) and VITAS are appropriate reporting units for testing goodwill impairment. We consider RRC and RRSC separate reporting units but one operating segment. This is appropriate as they each have their own set of general ledger accounts that can be analyzed at “one level below an operating segment” per the definition of a reporting unit in FASB guidance.

We completed our qualitative analysis for impairment of goodwill and our indefinite-lived intangible assets as of October 1, 2020. Based on our assessment, we do not believe that it is more likely than not that our reporting units or indefinite-lived assets fair values are less than their carrying values.

LONG-LIVED ASSETS

If we believe a triggering event may have occurred that indicates a possible impairment of our long-lived assets, we perform an estimate and valuation of the future benefits of our long-lived assets (other than goodwill, the VITAS trade name and capitalized CON costs) based on key financial indicators. If the projected undiscounted cash flows of a major business unit indicate that properties and equipment or identifiable, definite-lived intangible assets have been impaired, a write-down to fair value is made.

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 sheet 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 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.

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 inpatient units (“IPUs”) and/or contract beds within hospitals. Roto-Rooter mainly has leased office space.

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 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 December 31, 2020, we have two cloud computing arrangements that are service contracts. We have capitalized approximately $9.3 million related to implementation of these projects which are included in prepaid assets in the accompanying balance sheets. A VITAS human resource system was placed into service in January 2020 and is being amortized over 5 years. For the year ended December 31, 2020, $1.1 million has been amortized. There has been no other amortization expense associated with the second project, as the software has not yet been placed in service. We anticipate amortizing the assets over the original term of the arrangements plus renewal options that are reasonably certain of being exercised.

OTHER ASSETS

Debt issuance costs are included in other assets. Issuance costs related to revolving credit agreements are amortized using the straight-line method, over the life of the agreement. All other issuance costs are amortized using the effective interest method over the life of the debt. There are no amounts included in other assets that individually exceed 5% of total assets.

SALES TAX

The Roto-Rooter segment collects sales tax from customers when required by state and federal laws. We record the amount of sales tax collected net in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

OPERATING EXPENSES

Cost of services provided and goods sold (excluding depreciation) includes salaries, wages and benefits of service providers and field personnel, material costs, medical supplies and equipment, pharmaceuticals, insurance costs, service vehicle costs and other expenses directly related to providing service revenues or generating sales. Selling, general and administrative expenses include salaries, wages, stock-based compensation expense and benefits of selling, marketing and administrative employees, advertising expenses, communications and branch telephone expenses, office rent and operating costs, legal, banking and professional fees and other administrative costs. The cost associated with VITAS sales personnel is included in cost of services provided and goods sold (excluding depreciation).

ADVERTISING

We expense the production costs of advertising the first time the advertising takes place. We pay for and expense the cost of internet advertising and placement on a “per click” basis. Similarly, the majority of our telephone directory listings and certain types of internet advertising are paid for and expensed on a “cost per call” basis. For those directories that are not on this billing basis, the cost of the directory is expensed when the directories are placed in circulation. Advertising expense for the year ended December 31, 2020, was $54.4 million (2019 – $49.5 million; 2018 - $47.0 million).

OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES

There are no amounts included in other current liabilities that individually exceed 5% of total current liabilities, with the exception of the Medicare cap liability, which is discussed further in Note 2.

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS

Stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date, based on the fair value of the award and recognized as expense over the employee’s requisite service period on a straight-line basis.

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.

INSURANCE ACCRUALS

For our Roto-Rooter segment and Corporate Office, we initially self-insure for all casualty insurance claims (workers’ compensation, auto liability and general liability). As a result, we closely monitor and frequently evaluate our historical claims experience to estimate the appropriate level of accrual for self-insured claims. Our third-party administrator (“TPA”) processes and reviews claims on a monthly basis. Currently, our exposure on any single claim is capped by stop-loss coverage at $750,000. In developing our estimates, we accumulate historical claims data for the previous 10 years to calculate loss development factors (“LDF”) by insurance coverage type. LDFs are applied to known claims to estimate the ultimate potential liability for known and unknown claims for each open policy year. LDFs are updated annually. Because this methodology relies heavily on historical claims data, the key risk is whether the historical claims are an accurate predictor of future claims exposure. The risk also exists that certain claims have been incurred and not reported on a timely basis. To mitigate these risks, in conjunction with our TPA, we closely monitor claims to ensure timely accumulation of data and compare claims trends with the industry experience of our TPA.

For the VITAS segment, we initially self-insure for workers’ compensation claims. Currently, VITAS’ exposure on any single claim is capped by stop-loss coverage at $1,000,000. For VITAS’ self-insurance accruals for workers’ compensation, the valuation methods used are similar to those used internally for our other business units. We are also insured for other risks with respect to professional liability with a deductible of $750,000.

Our casualty insurance liabilities are recorded gross before any estimated recovery for amounts exceeding our stop loss limits. Estimated recoveries from insurance carriers are recorded as accounts receivable. Claims experience adjustments to our casualty and workers’ compensation accrual for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, were net pretax credits of ($4,578,000), ($1,664,000), and ($3,437,000) respectively.

INCOME TAXES

Deferred taxes are provided on an asset and liability method whereby deferred tax assets are recognized for deductible temporary differences and operating loss carryforwards and deferred tax liabilities are recognized for taxable temporary differences. Temporary differences are the differences between the reported amount of assets and liabilities and their tax basis. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in our opinion, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized due to insufficient taxable income within the carryback or carryforward period available under the tax laws. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in law and rates on the date of enactment.

We are subject to income taxes in Canada, U.S. federal and most state jurisdictions. Judgement is required to determine our provision for income taxes. Our financial statements reflect expected future tax consequences of such uncertain positions assuming the taxing authorities’ full knowledge of the position and all relevant facts.

Our effective income tax rate was 19.3%, 15.9% and 14.2% for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively. Excess tax benefit on stock options reduced our income tax expenses by $26.1 million, $24.2 million, and $22.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

CONTINGENCIES

As discussed in Note 17, we are subject to various lawsuits and claims in the normal course of our business. In addition, we periodically receive communications from governmental and regulatory agencies concerning compliance with Medicare and Medicaid billing requirements at our VITAS subsidiary. We establish reserves for specific, uninsured liabilities in connection with regulatory and legal action that we deem to be probable and reasonably estimable. We record legal fees associated with legal and regulatory actions as the costs are incurred. We disclose material loss contingencies that are probable but not reasonably estimable and those that are at least reasonably possible.

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 Note 7 for discussion of recent acquisitions.

ESTIMATES

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.