Greetings!

Happy end of July to you all-

If you've seen the recent news about hospice fraud, you're probably not alone in having questions. I know it's been a topic of conversation both in our community and within our own organization.

Rather than let rumors or headlines tell the story, Kellie Bolle, our Clinical Care Manager and I, would love the opportunity to talk with you in person. We'll be hosting an informal Town Hall this Wednesday, where we'll share what we know, explain what's happening across California, discuss what it means for organizations like ours, and answer any questions you have. (more information below)

Kellie recently traveled to Washington, D.C., where she joined hospice leaders from across the country to advocate for "the good hospices" and the patients and families we serve. She'll share insights from those conversations and what she learned firsthand about the work being done to protect the integrity of hospice care.

There are no bad questions, and nothing is off limits. My hope is that everyone leaves feeling informed, confident, and proud of the ethical, compassionate care we provide every day.

I hope you'll join us!

Heidi Wingo

Executive Director

Last month, Registered Nurse, Kellie Bolle of Foothills Compassionate Care, traveled to Washington DC to meet with elected officials on the issue of fraud, waste and abuse in hospice care. Widespread hospice fraud has been documented in several states, including in California.

Foothills Compassionate Care was founded in Nevada County as “Hospice of the Foothills.” The organization has served the region since 1979 and is a licensed California hospice provider, Medicare-certified, and is accredited by The Joint Commission.

With a rapidly escalating fraud crisis in hospice care, reputable, mission-focused organizations and providers are having to answer for a growing number of bad actors. Kellie Bolle, a board member of the advocacy group California Hospice and Palliative Care Association (CHAPCA) met with the offices of Senator Alex Padilla as well as Congressional Representatives Bera, Garamendi, and Kiley. The contingency also met with Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services since 2025.

“The time spent with Dr. Oz was inspiring,” remarked Kellie. “He was extremely engaged, knowledgeable, and motivated to preserve the Medicare hospice benefit, while eliminating the waste, fraud and abuse from fraudulent billing agencies. “

We can't thank you enough for the reviews we receive on Yelp, Google, Facebook and more. They help us reach more families and warm our hearts.

If you'd like to leave a review about your experience with Foothills Compassionate Care, you may do so at the links below.

SNMHF Golf Tournament

June 8

We sponsored the putting contest at the annual Golf Tournament to benefit the Sierra Nevada Memorial Health Foundation.

Karaoke Pot Luck & Pricing Party

June 17

Friends of Hospice volunteers gathered at Foothills Gift & Thrift (Grass Valley) to price clothing, share tasty treats, and belt out their karaoke favorites!.

BINGO

June 19

We hosted monthly Bingo at Gold Country Senior Services.

NCCLI Graduation

June 19

Staff members Emily & Kim graduated from NCCLI Training with the Community Foundation of Nevada County..

Senior Protection & Scam Prevention Expo

June 20

We joined Quietech for a seminar on scam prevention for seniors, at the Grass Valley Veterans' Hall.

Healthy Minds, Hopeful Futures

June 24

We learned about brain health with Alzheimer's Association and Sierra Nevada Memorial Health Foundation.

June Bloom

June 25

We celebrated the warmer months and showed gratitude for our community partners, at our June Bloom appreciation event.

Music on Wheels

June 25-30

We were treated to live performances from Vocal Locals at community assisted living facilities, thanks to our partnership with InConcert Sierra.

Pride Family Picnic

June 28

We joined Nevada County Pride for their annual Pride Family Picnic at Condon Park!.

Kellie Bolle in Washington DC

June

Clinical Care Manager and Registered Nurse Kellie Bolle visited Washington, D.C., to discuss hospice fraud with elected officials.

Protecting Compassionate Care

COMMUNITY EDUCATION SERIES


JULY 29 | 4pm

A community conversation on hospice, trust & advocacy.

This interactive town hall will include:

• An update on national efforts to combat hospice fraud
• Insights from Clinical Care Manager Kellie Bolle, MSN, RN, CHPN , following her advocacy meetings in Washington, D.C.
• Information about how to identify a reputable hospice provider
• A discussion of hospice, palliative care, and the Medicare hospice benefit
• An open question-and-answer session with hospice professionals

Pricing & Pizza Party


JULY 30-31 | 9am-Noon, Noon-3pm

Join us at the Grass Valley Gift & Thrift to make some progress on the massive amount of donations ready for the floor, and enjoy some pizza while you're there! No experience required.

Community Insight


AUGUST 26 | 9-10am

Join us at 9am the 4th Wednesday of every month, as we chat with Tom Fitzsimmons about all things Foothills Compassionate Care.

Five Wishes

COMMUNITY EDUCATION SERIES


AUGUST 27 | 9:00-10:30am

This interactive workshop will provide you with the tools and knowledge to create an Advance Care Plan document and feel empowered.

Are You a Legacy Donor?

If you have included Foothills Compassionate Care in your estate plans, we would love the opportunity to thank you, welcome you into our Legacy Circle and ensure your gift is used exactly as you intend.

Please complete our Estate Plan Intention form, so that you may be recognized and recorded.