Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Nature Of Operations	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	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	CURRENT EXPECTED CREDIT LOSSES In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments, Credit Losses. 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 $46.2 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. The allowance for doubtful accounts is not material at December 31, 2021.
Coronavirus Aid, Relief And Economic Stimulus (CARES) Act	CORONAVIRUS AID, RELIEF AND ECONOMIC STIMULUS (CARES) ACT 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 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, an increase in usage and reliance on our technology infrastructure, difficulties hiring and retaining workforce and vaccine mandates imposed on our frontline healthcare workers, 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 provides 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. 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 deferred $36.4 million of certain employer payroll taxes as permitted by the CARES Act in 2020. $18.2 million was paid in 2021 and $18.2 million is classified as a short-term liability.During the period from May 1, 2020 through March 31, 2022, the 2% Medicare sequestration reimbursement cut was suspended. Sequestration will be phased back into place at 1% from April 1, 2022 to June 30, 2022 and the full 2% thereafter. For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 approximately $23.9 million and $16.8 million, respectively, was recognized as revenue due to the suspension of sequestration. All CARES Act funds received were fully recognized during the year ended December 31, 2020. The Company analogized to International Accounting Standard 20 – Accounting for Government Grants and Disclosures (“IAS 20”) to account for the CARES Act grant received. Under IAS 20, once it is reasonably assured that the entity will comply with the conditions of the grant, the grant money should be recognized on a systematic basis over the periods in which the entity recognizes the related expenses or lost revenue. The portal to report utilization of CARES Act funds opened on July 1, 2021. We completed our reporting by the September 30, 2021 deadline. The components of the amount recognized during 2020 are as follows, (in thousands): Lost revenue$ 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 2020, 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. The Company recognized $14.0 million of expense in 2021 for COVID-19 related costs. VITAS provided its workers an extra week of paid time off resulting in a $10.0 million charge. The remaining costs are primarily for personal protection equipment.
Cash Equivalents	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	CONCENTRATION OF RISK As of December 31, 2021, and 2020, approximately 73% and 74%, respectively, of VITAS’ total accounts receivable balance were from Medicare and 21% and 20%, 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, 2021. 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	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 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, 2021, were: Buildings and building improvements14.8 yrs. Transportation equipment 9.3 Machinery and equipment 5.1 Computer software 3.8 Furniture and fixtures 4.5
Goodwill And Intangible Assets	‎ GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS The table below shows a rollforward of Goodwill (in thousands): Roto- Vitas Rooter TotalBalance at December 31, 2019 $ 333,331 $ 244,036 $ 577,367Business combinations - 1,193 1,193Foreign currency adjustments - 25 25Balance at December 31, 2020 $ 333,331 $ 245,254 $ 578,585Foreign currency adjustments - 6 6Balance at December 31, 2021 $ 333,331 $ 245,260 $ 578,591 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, 2021, were: Covenants not to compete 6.5 yrs. Reacquired franchise rights7.4 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, 2021. 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	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	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”). Our leases have remaining terms of less than 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 made a policy election to exclude leases with a lease term less than 12 month from being recorded on the balance sheet. We adopted the practical expedient related to the combining of lease and non-lease components, which allows us to account for the lease and non-lease components as a single lease component. We do not currently have any finance leases, all lease information disclosed is related to operating 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 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.
Cloud Computing	CLOUD COMPUTING As of December 31, 2021, Roto-Rooter has three cloud computing arrangements that are service contracts. We have capitalized $332,000 related to these projects. During 2021, Roto-Rooter implemented a system to assist in technician dispatch which was placed into service during the second quarter of 2021. For the year ended December 31, 2021, $94,000 has been amortized. The two other projects consist of the development of a single source data warehouse and human resource system integration with our enterprise software. No amortization has been recorded for these two projects as they have not been placed into service. VITAS utilizes a human resource system that is considered a cloud computing arrangement. We have capitalized approximately $8.7 million related to implementation of this project which are included in prepaid assets in the accompanying balance sheets. VITAS human resource system was placed into service in January 2020 and is being amortized over 5 years. For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, $995,000 and $1.1 million, respectively, has been amortized.
Other Assets	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.
Operating Expenses	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	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, 2021, was $62.1 million (2020 – $54.4. million; 2019 - $49.5 million).
Other Current Liabilities	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 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.
Insurance Accruals	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 $1,000,000. 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, 2021, 2020 and 2019, were net pretax credits of ($6,332,000), ($4,578,000), and ($1,664,000) respectively.
Income Taxes	INCOME TAXES 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. There were no material impacts from adoption of this ASU. 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 23.3%, 19.3% and 15.9% for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively. Excess tax benefit on stock options reduced our income tax expenses by $9.9 million, $26.1 million, and $24.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Contingencies	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	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	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.

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2021

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

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

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

CURRENT EXPECTED CREDIT LOSSES In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments, Credit Losses. 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 $46.2 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. The allowance for doubtful accounts is not material at December 31, 2021.

Coronavirus Aid, Relief And Economic Stimulus (CARES) Act

CORONAVIRUS AID, RELIEF AND ECONOMIC STIMULUS (CARES) ACT 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 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, an increase in usage and reliance on our technology infrastructure, difficulties hiring and retaining workforce and vaccine mandates imposed on our frontline healthcare workers, 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 provides 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. 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 deferred $36.4 million of certain employer payroll taxes as permitted by the CARES Act in 2020. $18.2 million was paid in 2021 and $18.2 million is classified as a short-term liability.During the period from May 1, 2020 through March 31, 2022, the 2% Medicare sequestration reimbursement cut was suspended. Sequestration will be phased back into place at 1% from April 1, 2022 to June 30, 2022 and the full 2% thereafter. For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 approximately $23.9 million and $16.8 million, respectively, was recognized as revenue due to the suspension of sequestration. All CARES Act funds received were fully recognized during the year ended December 31, 2020. The Company analogized to International Accounting Standard 20 – Accounting for Government Grants and Disclosures (“IAS 20”) to account for the CARES Act grant received. Under IAS 20, once it is reasonably assured that the entity will comply with the conditions of the grant, the grant money should be recognized on a systematic basis over the periods in which the entity recognizes the related expenses or lost revenue. The portal to report utilization of CARES Act funds opened on July 1, 2021. We completed our reporting by the September 30, 2021 deadline. The components of the amount recognized during 2020 are as follows, (in thousands): Lost revenue$ 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 2020, 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. The Company recognized $14.0 million of expense in 2021 for COVID-19 related costs. VITAS provided its workers an extra week of paid time off resulting in a $10.0 million charge. The remaining costs are primarily for personal protection equipment.

Cash Equivalents

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

CONCENTRATION OF RISK As of December 31, 2021, and 2020, approximately 73% and 74%, respectively, of VITAS’ total accounts receivable balance were from Medicare and 21% and 20%, 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, 2021. 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

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 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, 2021, were: Buildings and building improvements14.8 yrs. Transportation equipment 9.3 Machinery and equipment 5.1 Computer software 3.8 Furniture and fixtures 4.5

Goodwill And Intangible Assets

‎ GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS The table below shows a rollforward of Goodwill (in thousands): Roto- Vitas Rooter TotalBalance at December 31, 2019 $ 333,331 $ 244,036 $ 577,367Business combinations - 1,193 1,193Foreign currency adjustments - 25 25Balance at December 31, 2020 $ 333,331 $ 245,254 $ 578,585Foreign currency adjustments - 6 6Balance at December 31, 2021 $ 333,331 $ 245,260 $ 578,591 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, 2021, were: Covenants not to compete 6.5 yrs. Reacquired franchise rights7.4 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, 2021. 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

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

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”). Our leases have remaining terms of less than 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 made a policy election to exclude leases with a lease term less than 12 month from being recorded on the balance sheet. We adopted the practical expedient related to the combining of lease and non-lease components, which allows us to account for the lease and non-lease components as a single lease component. We do not currently have any finance leases, all lease information disclosed is related to operating 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 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.

Cloud Computing

CLOUD COMPUTING As of December 31, 2021, Roto-Rooter has three cloud computing arrangements that are service contracts. We have capitalized $332,000 related to these projects. During 2021, Roto-Rooter implemented a system to assist in technician dispatch which was placed into service during the second quarter of 2021. For the year ended December 31, 2021, $94,000 has been amortized. The two other projects consist of the development of a single source data warehouse and human resource system integration with our enterprise software. No amortization has been recorded for these two projects as they have not been placed into service. VITAS utilizes a human resource system that is considered a cloud computing arrangement. We have capitalized approximately $8.7 million related to implementation of this project which are included in prepaid assets in the accompanying balance sheets. VITAS human resource system was placed into service in January 2020 and is being amortized over 5 years. For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, $995,000 and $1.1 million, respectively, has been amortized.

Other Assets

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.

Operating Expenses

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

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, 2021, was $62.1 million (2020 – $54.4. million; 2019 - $49.5 million).

Other Current Liabilities

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 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.

Insurance Accruals

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 $1,000,000. 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, 2021, 2020 and 2019, were net pretax credits of ($6,332,000), ($4,578,000), and ($1,664,000) respectively.

Income Taxes

INCOME TAXES 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. There were no material impacts from adoption of this ASU. 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 23.3%, 19.3% and 15.9% for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively. Excess tax benefit on stock options reduced our income tax expenses by $9.9 million, $26.1 million, and $24.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Contingencies

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

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

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.