Home health giant Gentiva Health Services has completed its acquisition of hospice provider Odyssey HealthCare Inc., the company announced Tuesday.

The $1 billion deal is seen as a game changer for long-term care services. The newly consolidated company is now the second largest provider of hospice care in the U.S., behind Vitas Hospice Services LLC.  It is the largest home health and hospice provider in the U.S. based on revenue, according to a company release.

The combined hospice operations of Odyssey and Gentiva provide care to an average daily patient census of approximately 14,000 in 30 states.