Hartford HealthCare and The Pennant Group have announced an expansion of their strategic collaboration to strengthen home-based care services across Connecticut, including plans to transition their joint operations into a unified operating entity.

The partnership, which began in May 2024, encompasses home health, hospice, and home care services delivered through Hartford HealthCare at Home (HHCAH). Since the collaboration launched, Hartford HealthCare at Home has earned its first-ever four-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), expanded patient access through hundreds of thousands of visits, and implemented Pennant's operational systems and technologies across home health and hospice. The next phase deepens that work through mutual investment and a more integrated operating structure.

"Home care is one of the most personal and impactful ways we serve our communities, and the progress we've made together is extraordinary. Over the past two years, Hartford HealthCare at Home has achieved its first-ever 4-star CMS rating, expanded access to thousands of more patients, and strengthened outcomes through innovation and collaboration. These results reflect the dedication of our teams and the power of collaboration between two leading healthcare organizations," said Eric Smullen, Executive Vice President of Hartford HealthCare at Home. "We are doubling down on our commitment to deliver exceptional care where patients feel most comfortable at home and setting a new standard for home health in Connecticut. As healthcare continues to evolve, the most affordable and effective care is often delivered in the home. Investing in home-based care enables us to better manage chronic conditions, improve access, and lower costs while maintaining exceptional quality."

"We are honored by the trust Hartford HealthCare has placed in Pennant and proud of the progress we've achieved together during the initial management period," said Brent Guerisoli, Chief Executive Officer of Pennant. "Over the last two years, we have had a meaningful impact on quality, expanded access, improved patient outcomes, and advanced the long-term financial sustainability of homecare at HHC. This collaboration is a natural next step, and it underscores the strength of Pennant's model to create scalable, high-performing home care operations that deliver high caliber value for patients, partners, the community and shareholders."

Hartford HealthCare operates across more than 500 locations in Connecticut, with a network of 48,000 professionals spanning hospitals, behavioral health services, senior care, rehabilitation, and mobile neighborhood health programs. The Pennant Group operates independent home health, hospice, and senior living subsidiaries across 17 states, including Connecticut.