Exhibit 99.1

                             JOINT FILING AGREEMENT

In accordance with Rule 13d-1(k)(1) promulgated under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended, the undersigned agree to the joint filing of a
Statement on Schedule 13D (including any and all amendments thereto) with
respect to the Common Stock, $0.02 par value, of Genesis Health Ventures, Inc.,
and further agree to the filing of this agreement as an Exhibit thereto. In
addition, each party to this Agreement expressly authorizes each other party to
this Agreement to file on its behalf any and all amendments to such Statement on
Schedule 13D.

Date:  October 22, 2001

GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.               THE GOLDMAN SACHS GROUP, INC.

By: /s/ Roger S. Begelman          By: /s/ Roger S. Begelman
-------------------------          -------------------------

Name:  Roger S. Begelman           Name:   Roger S. Begelman
Title: Attorney-in-fact            Title: Attorney-in-fact