QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

The following are some questions that you, as a stockholder of LHC or a stockholder of Almost Family, may have regarding the merger and the other matters being considered at the special meetings and the answers to those questions. LHC and Almost Family urge you to carefully read the remainder of this joint proxy statement/prospectus carefully and in its entirety because the information in this section does not provide all the information that might be important to you with respect to the merger and the other matters being considered at the special meetings. Additional important information is also contained in the Annexes to, and the documents incorporated by reference into, this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

In order to complete the merger, among other things:

LHC and Almost Family will hold separate special meetings of their respective stockholders to obtain these approvals. This joint proxy statement/prospectus, including its Annexes, contains and incorporates by reference important information about LHC, Almost Family, the special meetings, the merger agreement and the merger. You should read all the available information carefully and in its entirety.

Almost Family Stockholders: If the merger is completed, holders of Almost Family common stock will receive 0.9150 shares of LHC common stock for each share of Almost Family common stock they hold at the effective time of the merger. Almost Family stockholders will not receive any fractional shares of LHC common stock in the merger. Instead, Almost Family stockholders will receive cash in lieu of any fractional shares of LHC common stock that the Almost Family stockholders would otherwise have been entitled to receive.

Almost Family Stockholders: The special meeting of Almost Family stockholders will be held at Almost Family’s corporate headquarters located at 9510 Ormsby Station Road, Suite 300, Louisville, Kentucky 40223, on                 , 2018, at                 , local time.

If you wish to attend your respective company’s special meeting, you must bring photo identification. If you hold your shares through a bank, broker, trustee or other nominee, including an employee benefit plan trustee, you must also bring proof of ownership such as the voting instruction form from your broker or other nominee or an account statement.

Almost Family Stockholders: The record date for the Almost Family special meeting is                 , 2018. Only holders of record of outstanding shares of Almost Family common stock as of the close of business on the record date are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Almost Family special meeting or any adjournments or postponements of the Almost Family special meeting.

Approval by LHC stockholders of the share issuance proposal is required to complete the merger.

Almost Family Stockholders: Almost Family stockholders are being asked to vote on the following proposals:

Approval by Almost Family stockholders of the proposal to adopt the merger agreement is required to complete the merger.

LHC adoption of amended and restated charter proposal: Approval of this proposal requires the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of LHC common stock entitled to vote on the proposal. Failures to vote, abstentions and broker non-votes will have the effect of a vote AGAINST the proposal.

LHC adjournment of special meeting proposal: Approval of this proposal requires the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of LHC common stock present in person or represented by proxy at the LHC special meeting and entitled to vote on this proposal. Abstentions will have the effect of a vote AGAINST this proposal. Failures to vote and broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of any vote on this proposal.

Non-binding, advisory, Almost Family merger-related compensation proposal: Approval of this proposal requires the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Almost Family common stock present in person or represented by proxy at the Almost Family special meeting and entitled to vote on this proposal. Abstentions will have the effect of a vote AGAINST this proposal. Failures to vote and broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of any vote on this proposal. Because the vote regarding these specific merger-related compensatory arrangements between Almost Family and its named executive officers is advisory only, it will not be binding on Almost Family or, following completion of the merger, the combined company. Accordingly, if the merger is completed, the Almost Family named executive officers will be eligible to receive the various merger-related compensation that may become payable in connection with the completion of the merger, subject only to the conditions applicable thereto, regardless of the outcome of the non-binding, advisory vote of the Almost Family stockholders.

Almost Family adjournment of special meeting proposal: Approval of this proposal requires the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Almost Family common stock present in person or represented by proxy at the Almost Family special meeting and entitled to vote on this proposal. Abstentions will have the effect of a vote AGAINST this proposal. Failures to vote and broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of any vote on this proposal.

Abstentions will be included in the calculation of the number of shares of LHC common stock present at the special meeting for purposes of determining whether a quorum has been achieved. However, broker non-votes, which are described below, will not be included in the calculation of the number of shares of LHC common stock present at the special meeting for purposes of determining whether a quorum has been achieved.

Almost Family Stockholders: The holders of a majority of the shares of common stock entitled to vote at the Almost Family special meeting must be represented in person or by proxy at the Almost Family special meeting to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at the Almost Family special meeting. If there are insufficient shares represented in person or by proxy at the Almost Family special meeting to constitute a quorum, the chairman of the board of directors of Almost Family shall adjourn the special meeting to another time and place. At any such adjourned meeting at which a quorum shall be present or represented, any business may be transacted that might have been transacted at the original meeting. No notice of an adjourned meeting need be given, other than announcement at the meeting, unless the adjournment is for more than 30 days or, if after the adjournment, a new record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting, in which case a notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at the meeting.

Abstentions will be included in the calculation of the number of shares of Almost Family common stock represented at the special meeting for purposes of determining whether a quorum has been achieved. However, broker non-votes, which are described below, will not be included in the calculation of the number of shares of Almost Family common stock represented at the special meeting for purposes of determining whether a quorum has been achieved.

If you are a stockholder of record, you may also cast your vote in person at your respective company’s special meeting.

If your shares are held in “street name,” through a broker, bank, trustee or other nominee, that institution will send you separate instructions describing the procedure for voting your shares. “Street name” stockholders who wish to vote in person at the meeting will need to obtain a “legal proxy” form from their broker, bank, trustee or other nominee.

Almost Family Stockholders: Holders of Almost Family common stock are entitled to one vote for each share owned as of the close of business on the Almost Family record date. As of the close of business on the Almost Family record date, there were                  shares of Almost Family common stock outstanding and entitled to vote at the Almost Family special meeting.

In connection with the LHC special meeting:

In connection with the Almost Family special meeting:

Because none of the proposals to be voted on at the LHC special meeting or the Almost Family special meeting are routine matters for which brokers have discretionary authority, LHC and Almost Family do not expect there to be any broker non-votes at their respective special meetings. You should therefore provide your broker, bank, employee benefit plan trustee or other nominee with instructions as to how to vote your shares of LHC common stock or Almost Family common stock.

Please follow the voting instructions provided by your broker, bank, trustee or other nominee so that it may vote your shares on your behalf. Please note that you may not vote shares held in “street name” by returning a proxy card directly to LHC or Almost Family or by voting in person at your special meeting unless you first obtain a proxy from your broker, bank, trustee or other nominee.

Almost Family Stockholders: If you are an Almost Family stockholder and you vote to abstain, it will have the same effect as a vote AGAINST each of the proposals at the Almost Family special meeting. If you are an Almost Family stockholder and you fail to vote, either in person or by proxy, or fail to instruct your nominee how to vote, it will have the same effect as a vote AGAINST the proposal to adopt the merger agreement but will have no effect on the outcome of any vote on the non-binding, advisory Almost Family merger-related compensation proposal or the proposal to approve any motion to adjourn the Almost Family special meeting.

Almost Family Stockholders: If you properly complete and sign your proxy card but do not indicate how your shares of Almost Family common stock should be voted on a matter, the shares of Almost Family common stock represented by your proxy will be voted as the Almost Family board of directors recommends and, therefore:

If you are a holder of record of either LHC or Almost Family shares: If you are a holder of record of either LHC or Almost Family common stock, you can change your vote or revoke your proxy at any time before your proxy is voted at your respective special meeting. You can do this in one of three ways:

If you choose either of the first two methods, your notice of revocation or your new proxy must be received by LHC or Almost Family, as applicable, no later than the beginning of the applicable special meeting. If you have submitted a proxy for your shares by telephone or via the Internet, you may revoke your prior telephone or Internet proxy by any manner described above if you submit your revocation prior to 11:59 p.m. on                 , 2018 (the day before the LHC and Almost Family special meetings).

If you hold shares of either LHC or Almost Family in “street name”: If your shares are held in “street name,” you must contact your broker, bank, trustee or other nominee to change your vote.

You should read “LHC Proposal I: Approval of the Share Issuance and Almost Family Proposal I: Adoption of the Merger Agreement — The Merger — U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger” beginning on page 112 for a more complete discussion of the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the merger. Tax matters can be complicated, and the tax consequences of the merger to you will depend on your particular tax situation. You should consult your own tax advisor to determine the tax consequences of the merger to you.

Almost Family Stockholders: If you are an Almost Family stockholder, after the merger is completed, each share of Almost Family common stock you hold will be converted automatically into the right to receive 0.9150 shares of LHC common stock together with cash in lieu of any fractional shares, as applicable. You will receive instructions shortly following the merger regarding exchanging your shares of Almost Family common stock for shares of LHC common stock. You do not need to take any action at this time. Please do not send your Almost Family stock certificates with your proxy card.

SUMMARY

This summary highlights selected information contained in this joint proxy statement/prospectus and does not contain all the information that may be important to you with respect to the merger and the other matters being considered at the LHC special meeting and Almost Family special meeting. LHC and Almost Family urge you to read carefully this joint proxy statement/prospectus in its entirety, including the attached Annexes, and the other documents to which we have referred you. See also the section entitled “Where You Can Find More Information” beginning on page 154. We have included page references in this summary to direct you to a more complete description of the topics presented below.

The Companies

LHC Group, Inc. (see page 50)

LHC Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation, is a provider of post-acute health care services to patients through its home nursing agencies, hospice agencies, community-based services agencies and long-term acute care hospitals. As of September 30, 2017, through its wholly- and majority-owned subsidiaries, equity joint ventures and controlled affiliates, LHC operated in 449 service providers in 27 states within the U.S. LHC operates in four segments: home health services, hospice services, community-based services and facility-based services.

LHC’s common stock is listed on the NASDAQ under the symbol “LHCG.”

The principal executive offices of LHC are located at 901 Hugh Wallis Road South, Lafayette, Louisiana 70508, and its telephone number is (337) 233-1307.

Almost Family, Inc. (see page 50)

Almost Family, Inc., a Delaware corporation, is a leading provider of home healthcare services and related innovations with operations in 332 locations across 26 states as of September 29, 2017. Almost Family has three segments: home health, other home based services and healthcare innovations. The home health segment provides a comprehensive range of Medicare certified nursing services to patients in need of recuperative care, typically following a period of hospitalization or care in another type of inpatient facility. The other home based services segment includes personal care and hospice business lines. The personal care segment provides services in patients’ homes primarily on an as-needed, hourly basis. These services include personal care, medication management, meal preparation, caregiver respite and homemaking. Hospice services are largely provided in patients’ homes and generally require specialized hospice nursing skills. Hospice revenues are generated on a per diem basis and are primarily from Medicare. The healthcare innovations segment includes Almost Family’s developmental activity outside of the traditional home health business platform.

Almost Family’s common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market (the “NASDAQ”) under the symbol “AFAM.”

The principal executive offices of Almost Family are located at 9510 Ormsby Station Road, Suite 300, Louisville, Kentucky 40223 and its telephone number is (502) 891-1000.

Hammer Merger Sub, Inc. (see page 50)

Hammer Merger Sub, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of LHC, is a Delaware corporation that was formed for the sole purpose of effecting the merger. In the merger, Merger Sub will be merged with and into Almost Family, with Almost Family surviving the merger and becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of LHC.

The Merger

A copy of the merger agreement is included as Annex A to this joint proxy statement/prospectus. LHC and Almost Family encourage you to read the entire merger agreement carefully because it is the principal document governing the merger. For more information on the merger agreement, see the section entitled “LHC Proposal I: Approval of the Share Issuance and Almost Family Proposal I: Adoption of the Merger Agreement — The Merger Agreement” beginning on page 115.

Terms of the Merger (see page 115)

Subject to the terms and conditions of the merger agreement, at the effective time of the merger, Merger Sub, a wholly owned subsidiary of LHC formed for the sole purpose of effecting the merger, will be merged with and into Almost Family. Almost Family will be the surviving entity in the merger and become a wholly owned subsidiary of LHC. Upon completion of the merger, LHC and Almost Family, and their respective subsidiaries, will operate as a combined company under the name LHC Group, Inc.

Merger Consideration (see page 115)

Almost Family stockholders will have the right to receive 0.9150 shares of LHC common stock for each share of Almost Family common stock that they hold immediately prior to the effective time of the merger (the “exchange ratio”). The exchange ratio is fixed and will not be adjusted for changes in the market value of the common stock of LHC or Almost Family. As a result, the implied value of the consideration to Almost Family stockholders will fluctuate between the date of this joint proxy statement/prospectus and the effective date of the merger. No fractional shares of LHC common stock will be issued in connection with the merger. Each Almost Family stockholder that otherwise would have been entitled to receive a fraction of a share of LHC common stock will be entitled to receive cash in lieu of the fractional share. LHC stockholders will continue to own their existing shares, which will not be affected by the merger.

U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger (see page 112)

The merger is intended to qualify as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code. Provided that the merger qualifies as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code, the holders of Almost Family common stock generally should not recognize any gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes on the exchange of shares of Almost Family common stock for shares of LHC common stock in the merger, except with respect to any cash received in lieu of fractional shares of LHC common stock. A holder of Almost Family common stock generally will recognize gain or loss with respect to cash received in lieu of a fractional share of LHC common stock in the merger measured by the difference, if any, between the amount of cash received for such fractional share and the holder’s tax basis in such fractional share. The holders of LHC common stock should not recognize any gain or loss for U.S. income tax purposes.

The obligations of LHC and Almost Family to complete the merger are subject to, among other conditions described in this joint proxy statement/prospectus and the merger agreement, which is included as Annex A to this joint proxy statement/prospectus, the receipt by each of LHC and Almost Family of the opinion of its counsel to the effect that the merger should qualify as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code.

You should read “LHC Proposal I: Approval of the Share Issuance and Almost Family Proposal I: Adoption of the Merger Agreement — The Merger — U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger” beginning on page 112 for a more complete discussion of the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the merger. Tax matters can be complicated, and the tax consequences of the merger to you will depend on your particular tax situation. You should consult your own tax advisor to determine the tax consequences of the merger to you.

Recommendation of the Board of Directors of LHC (see page 69)

After careful consideration, the LHC board of directors has unanimously (i) determined that the merger agreement, the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement are advisable and fair to and in the best interests of LHC and its stockholders and (ii) approved, authorized, adopted and declared advisable the merger agreement, the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement. For more information regarding the factors considered by the LHC board of directors in reaching its decision to adopt the merger agreement and to authorize the issuance of shares of LHC common stock to the Almost Family stockholders pursuant to the merger, see the section entitled “LHC Proposal I: Approval of the Share Issuance and Almost Family Proposal I: Adoption of the Merger Agreement — The Merger — LHC’s Reasons for the Merger; Recommendation of the LHC Board of Directors.”

The LHC board of directors unanimously recommends that LHC stockholders vote:

Recommendation of the Board of Directors of Almost Family (see page 73)

After careful consideration, the Almost Family board of directors has unanimously (i) determined that the merger agreement, the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement are advisable and fair to and in the best interests of Almost Family and its stockholders and (ii) approved, authorized, adopted and declared advisable the merger agreement, the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement. For more information regarding the factors considered by the Almost Family board of directors in reaching its decision to adopt the merger agreement and the merger, see the section entitled “LHC Proposal I: Approval of the Share Issuance and Almost Family Proposal I: Adoption of the Merger Agreement — The Merger — Almost Family’s Reasons for the Merger; Recommendation of the Almost Family Board of Directors.”

The Almost Family board of directors unanimously recommends that Almost Family stockholders vote:

Opinion of LHC’s Financial Advisor (see page 77)

At a meeting of the LHC board of directors held on November 15, 2017, Jefferies LLC (“Jefferies”) rendered an oral opinion, confirmed by delivery of a written opinion dated the same date, to the LHC board of directors to the effect that, as of that date and based on and subject to the assumptions made, procedures followed, factors considered and limitations and qualifications on the review undertaken as described in its opinion, the exchange ratio set forth in the merger agreement was fair, from a financial point of view, to LHC.

The full text of Jefferies’ opinion describes the assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered and limitations and qualifications with respect to the review undertaken by Jefferies. This opinion is attached as Annex C. Jefferies’ opinion was provided for the use and benefit of the LHC board of directors (in its capacity as such) in its evaluation of the exchange ratio from a financial point of view and did not address any other aspect of the merger or any other matter. The opinion did not address the relative merits of the merger as compared to any alternative transaction or opportunity that might be available to LHC, nor did it address the underlying business decision by LHC to engage in the merger. Jefferies’ opinion does not constitute a recommendation as to how any stockholder should vote or act in connection with any matter related to the merger. See “LHC Proposal I: Approval of Share Issuance and Almost Family Proposal I: Adoption of the Merger Agreement — The Merger — Opinion of LHC’s Financial Advisor.”

Opinion of Almost Family’s Financial Advisor (see page 84)

Almost Family retained Guggenheim Securities, LLC (“Guggenheim Securities”) as its financial advisor in connection with Almost Family’s possible merger with LHC. Guggenheim Securities delivered an opinion to Almost Family’s board of directors to the effect that, as of November 15, 2017 and based on and subject to the matters considered, the procedures followed, the assumptions made and various limitations of and qualifications to the review undertaken, the exchange ratio in connection with the merger was fair, from a financial point of view, to the stockholders of Almost Family (excluding LHC and its affiliates). The full text of Guggenheim Securities’ written opinion, which is attached as Annex D to this joint proxy statement/prospectus and which you should read carefully and in its entirety, is subject to the assumptions, limitations, qualifications and other conditions contained in such opinion and is necessarily based on economic, capital markets and other conditions, and the information made available to Guggenheim Securities, as of the date of such opinion.

Guggenheim Securities’ opinion was provided to Almost Family’s board of directors (in its capacity as such) for its information and assistance in connection with its evaluation of the exchange ratio. Guggenheim Securities’ opinion and any materials provided in connection therewith did not constitute a recommendation to Almost Family’s board of directors with respect to the merger, nor does Guggenheim Securities’ opinion constitute advice or a recommendation to any holder of Almost Family’s or LHC’s common stock as to how to vote or act in connection with the merger or otherwise. Guggenheim Securities’ opinion addresses only the fairness, from a financial point of view and as of the date of such opinion, of the exchange ratio to the stockholders of Almost Family (excluding LHC and its affiliates) to the extent expressly specified in such opinion and does not address any other term, aspect or implication of the merger (including, without limitation, the form or structure of the merger), the merger agreement or any other agreement, transaction document or instrument contemplated by the merger agreement or to be entered into or amended in connection with the merger or any financing or other transactions related thereto.

For a description of the opinion that Almost Family’s board of directors received from Guggenheim Securities, see “The Merger — Opinion of Almost Family’s Financial Advisor” beginning on page 84.

Interests of LHC Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger (see page 103)

Executive officers of LHC and members of LHC’s board of directors have certain interests in the merger that may be different from, or in addition to, the interests of LHC stockholders generally. These interests are described in further detail below, and certain of them are described and quantified in the narrative and table included under “LHC Proposal I: Approval of the Share Issuance and Almost Family Proposal I: Adoption of the Merger Agreement — The Merger — Interests of LHC Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger,” beginning on page 103.

Moreover, as detailed below under “— Board of Directors and Management Following the Merger” beginning on page 108, certain of LHC’s executive officers and members of LHC’s board of directors will

continue to serve as executive officers or directors of the combined company upon completion of the merger. Specifically, Keith G. Myers, LHC’s current chief executive officer, will continue to serve as chief executive officer of the combined company and chairman of the board of directors of the combined company upon completion of the merger. Donald D. Stelly, the current president and chief operating officer of LHC, will continue to serve as the president and chief operating officer of the combined company upon completion of the merger. In addition, Joshua L. Proffitt, the current chief financial officer, treasurer and an executive vice president of LHC, will continue to serve as chief financial officer, treasurer and an executive vice president of the combined company upon completion of the merger. Furthermore, six of the current members of the LHC board of directors will serve as members of the board of directors of the combined company, including Mr. Myers, LHC’s current chairman of the board of directors, who will serve as chairman of the board of directors of the combined company.

The LHC board of directors was aware of these interests and considered them, among other matters, in approving the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement and in recommending that you vote FOR the proposal to issue shares of LHC common stock to the Almost Family stockholders pursuant to the merger, FOR the proposal to adopt LHC’s amended and restated charter and FOR the proposal to approve any motion to adjourn the LHC special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes to approve the issuance of shares of LHC common stock to the Almost Family stockholders pursuant to the merger.

Interests of Almost Family Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger (see page 104)

Executive officers of Almost Family and members of Almost Family’s board of directors have interests in the merger that may be different from, or in addition to, the interests of Almost Family stockholders generally. These interests, including the right to receive cash payments under certain agreements as a result of the change in control resulting from the merger, are described in further detail below, and certain of them are described and quantified in the narrative and table included under “LHC Proposal I: Approval of the Share Issuance and Almost Family Proposal I: Adoption of the Merger Agreement — The Merger — Interests of Almost Family Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger,” beginning on page 104.

Moreover, as detailed below under “— Board of Directors and Management Following the Merger,” certain of Almost Family’s executive officers and members of Almost Family’s board of directors will be appointed to serve as executive officers or directors of the combined company, and certain of Almost Family’s executive officers will continue to serve as executive officers of Almost Family upon completion of the merger. Specifically, C. Steven Guenthner, Almost Family’s current president and principal financial officer, will be appointed the president of Almost Family and chief strategy officer of the combined company, and William B. Yarmuth, Almost Family’s current chief executive officer and chairman of Almost Family’s board of directors, will serve in a consulting capacity as special advisor to the combined company. In connection therewith, Mr. Guenthner has entered into a new employment agreement with LHC and Mr. Yarmuth has entered into a consulting agreement with LHC, each to be effective as of the effective time of the merger as described more fully below in the section entitled “LHC Proposal I: Approval of the Share Issuance and Almost Family Proposal I: Adoption of the Merger Agreement — The Merger — Interests of Almost Family Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger” beginning on page 104. Furthermore, four of the current members of the Almost Family board of directors will serve as members of the board of directors of the combined company.

Additionally, the equity awards granted by Almost Family to its directors, executive officers and other employees, will be converted into equity awards with LHC as described below under “— Treatment of Almost Family Equity Incentive Awards.” In addition, certain of Almost Family’s executive officers also have agreements that provide for severance benefits if their employment is terminated under certain circumstances, as discussed in “LHC Proposal I: Approval of the Share Issuance and Almost Family Proposal I: Adoption of the

Merger Agreement — The Merger — Interests of Almost Family Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger,” beginning on page 104. LHC will also provide employment benefits to the executive officers and other employees as described under “LHC Proposal I: Approval of the Share Issuance and Almost Family Proposal I: Adoption of the Merger Agreement — The Merger Agreement — Employee Benefits Matters,” beginning on page 128.

The Almost Family board of directors was aware of these interests and considered them, among other matters, in approving the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement and in recommending that you vote FOR the proposal to adopt the merger agreement, FOR the proposal to approve, on a non-binding advisory basis, specific compensatory arrangements relating to the merger between Almost Family and its named executive officers and FOR the proposal to approve any motion to adjourn the Almost Family special meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes to adopt the merger agreement.

Board of Directors and Management Following the Merger (see page 108)

Immediately following the effective time of the merger, the board of directors of the combined company will consist of ten directors, (i) six of whom will be selected by LHC, one of which will be Keith G. Myers (the current chairman of the LHC board of directors and chief executive officer of LHC) and one of which will be the lead independent director of LHC immediately prior to the effective time of the merger (currently W.J. “Billy” Tauzin), and (ii) four of whom will be selected by Almost Family. Two of the LHC designees will be appointed to each of the three classes of the board of directors of the combined company and two of the Almost Family designees will be appointed to the class of the board of directors of the combined company consisting of four directors and the other two Almost Family designees being appointed to the other two classes of the board of directors of the combined company. As of the date of this joint proxy statement/prospectus, other than Mr. Myers and Mr. Tauzin, in the case of LHC, neither LHC nor Almost Family has made a determination as to which directors will be appointed to the board of directors of the combined company. Other than Mr. Myers, all director designees will qualify as “independent directors” under NASDAQ rules. Mr. Myers will serve as the chairman of the board of directors of the combined company.

The combined company’s management team will include executives from each of LHC and Almost Family. Keith Myers, the current chief executive officer of LHC and chairman of the board of directors of LHC, will serve as the chief executive officer, in addition to his role as chairman of the board of directors of the combined company. Donald D. Stelly, the current president and chief operating officer of LHC, will serve as the president and chief operating officer of the combined company. Joshua L. Proffitt, the current chief financial officer, treasurer and an executive vice president of LHC, will serve as chief financial officer, treasurer and an executive vice president of the combined company. C. Steven Guenthner, currently the president and principal financial officer of Almost Family, will serve as the chief strategy officer of the combined company and president of Almost Family, and William B. Yarmuth, the current chief executive officer of Almost Family, will serve in a consulting capacity as special advisor of the combined company. As of the date of this joint proxy statement/prospectus, other than Messrs. Myers, Stelly, Proffitt, Guenthner and Yarmuth, neither LHC nor Almost Family has made a determination as to which other officers will be appointed to the management team of the combined company.

Treatment of LHC Equity Incentive Awards (see page 108)

LHC has made periodic grants of restricted stock to its executive officers, members of its board of directors and its employees. The merger will not accelerate the vesting or otherwise affect any awards of LHC stock.

Treatment of Almost Family Equity Incentive Awards (see page 109)

Upon the effective time of the merger, Almost Family equity awards will convert into equity awards with respect to LHC as follows:

The consummation of the merger will constitute a “change in control” with respect to Almost Family equity awards. Pursuant to Almost Family’s equity incentive plans, no such awards will vest upon the consummation of the merger, but the converted awards will vest on a “double-trigger” basis if the grantee’s service terminates for any reason (other than by the Surviving Corporation for “cause”) within 12 months following the effective time of the merger. In addition, pursuant to the merger agreement, the compensation committee of the board of directors of Almost Family has the discretion to accelerate the vesting of, or deem the performance criteria met under, any such equity award held by an Almost Family director or executive officer (including any officer who agrees to continue employment with Almost Family or LHC following the effective time of the merger).

Regulatory Clearances Required for the Merger (see page 110)

LHC and Almost Family have each agreed to take certain actions in order to obtain the expiration or termination of the required waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvement Act of 1976, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (the “HSR Act”), following required notifications and review by either the Federal Trade Commission (the “FTC”) or the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice (the “Antitrust Division”). On December 19, 2017, each of LHC and Almost Family filed its notification under the HSR Act. While LHC and Almost Family expect to obtain this required antitrust clearance, we cannot assure you that this required antitrust clearance will be obtained or that obtaining this required antitrust clearance will not involve the imposition of additional conditions on the completion of the merger, including the requirement to divest assets, or require changes to the terms of the merger agreement. These conditions or changes could result in the conditions to the merger not being satisfied.

While the antitrust clearance under the HSR Act is the only regulatory clearance that is required as a condition to the closing of the merger under the merger agreement, LHC and Almost Family are also required to

use reasonable best efforts to obtain all other necessary or advisable approvals from governmental authorities in connection with the consummation of the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement. These approvals include approvals from a number of the federal, state and municipal authorities that regulate the businesses of LHC and Almost Family. While LHC and Almost Family expect to obtain all necessary and material regulatory approvals, we cannot assure you that these regulatory approvals will be obtained. Furthermore, these other regulatory approvals are not a condition to closing the merger, and the failure to obtain any of these other regulatory approvals could have a material adverse effect on the combined company.

Expected Timing of the Merger

LHC and Almost Family are working to complete the merger as soon as practicable and expect the closing of the merger to occur in the first half of 2018. However, the merger is subject to the expiration or termination of the required waiting periods under the HSR Act, obtaining the required approvals of the LHC and Almost Family stockholders and the satisfaction or waiver of other conditions, and it is possible that factors outside the control of LHC and Almost Family could result in the merger being completed at an earlier time, at a later time or not at all. There may be a substantial amount of time between the LHC and Almost Family special meetings and the completion of the merger.

Conditions to Completion of the Merger (see page 131)

Each party’s obligation to consummate the merger is conditioned upon the satisfaction (or waiver by such party) at or prior to the closing of the merger of each of the following:

In addition, the obligations of each of LHC and Merger Sub, on the one hand, and Almost Family, on the other hand, to effect the merger is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the following additional conditions:

No Solicitation of Alternative Proposals (see page 121)

The merger agreement prohibits both LHC and Almost Family from soliciting, initiating or knowingly encouraging or facilitating or participating in any discussions or negotiations with any third party with respect to an acquisition proposal for a competing transaction, including any acquisition of a significant interest in LHC or Almost Family common stock or assets. However, the merger agreement provides that if, at any time prior to

obtaining the required approval of the stockholders of LHC or Almost Family, as applicable, LHC or Almost Family, as applicable, receives an unsolicited, written acquisition proposal and, among other things, the LHC board of directors or the Almost Family board of directors, as applicable, determines in good faith (i) after consultation with outside counsel and a financial advisor that such proposal constitutes or is reasonably likely to lead to a proposal that is superior to the merger and (ii) after consultation with outside counsel, the failure to participate in discussions and negotiations regarding such proposal or furnish non-public information to the third party making such proposal would be reasonably expected to be inconsistent with its fiduciary duties under applicable law, then LHC or Almost Family, as applicable, may furnish non-public information to the third party making such proposal or participate in discussions and negotiations regarding such proposal solely to clarify and understand the terms of such proposal so as to determine whether such proposal constitutes or is reasonably likely to lead to a proposal that is superior to the merger.

Changes in Board Recommendations (see page 123)

The merger agreement provides that neither the LHC board of directors nor the Almost Family board of directors shall effect an Adverse Recommendation Change (as defined on page 124). Notwithstanding the foregoing, at any time prior to obtaining the relevant stockholder approval, the LHC board of directors or the Almost Family board of directors, as applicable, may, if such board of directors determines in good faith (after consultation with outside counsel) that the failure to do so would reasonably be expected to be inconsistent with its fiduciary duties under applicable law and subject to compliance with certain obligations set forth in the merger agreement, make an Adverse Recommendation Change. If the board of directors of LHC or Almost Family effects an Adverse Recommendation Change, such board of directors will nonetheless continue to be obligated to hold its special stockholders meeting and submit the proposals described in this joint proxy statement/prospectus to its stockholders for their vote, as applicable, unless the other party shall terminate the merger agreement as described under “— Termination of the Merger Agreement.”

Termination of the Merger Agreement (see page 133)

LHC and Almost Family may mutually agree to terminate the merger agreement at any time.

In addition, either LHC or Almost Family may terminate the merger agreement, even after the receipt of the required stockholder approvals, under the following circumstances:

In addition, either LHC or Almost Family may terminate the merger agreement:

Expenses and Termination Fees (see page 134)

All fees and expenses shall be paid by the party incurring such fees or expenses, whether or not the merger is consummated; provided, however that the parties will share equally all filing fees relating to filings with governmental authorities (including any antitrust or competition governmental authority). However, the merger agreement provides that, upon termination of the merger agreement under certain circumstances, (i) LHC may be obligated to pay to Almost Family, or Almost Family may be obligated to pay to LHC, a termination fee of $30 million (less any expenses paid by the party described the following clause) and (ii) either party may be required to pay to the other party its merger-related expenses of up to $5 million. See “LHC Proposal I: Approval of the Share Issuance and Almost Family Proposal I: Adoption of the Merger Agreement — The Merger Agreement — Expenses and Termination Fees; Liabilities for Breach” for a more complete discussion of the circumstances under which the termination fee will be required to be paid.

Accounting Treatment (see page 114)

LHC prepares its financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). The merger will be accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting. LHC will be treated as the acquirer for accounting purposes.

No Appraisal or Dissenters’ Rights (see page 112)

Neither the holders of shares of LHC common stock nor the holders of shares of Almost Family common stock are entitled to exercise any appraisal or dissenters’ rights in connection with the merger or the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement under Delaware law.

Comparison of Stockholder Rights (see page 145)

Almost Family stockholders receiving merger consideration will have different rights once they become stockholders of the combined company due to differences between the governing corporate documents of Almost Family and the governing corporate documents of the combined company. Please see the section entitled “Comparison of Rights of Almost Family Stockholders and LHC Stockholders” for a discussion of these differences.

Listing of Shares of LHC Common Stock; Delisting and Deregistration of Shares of Almost Family Common Stock (see page 111)

It is a condition to the completion of the merger that the shares of LHC common stock to be issued to Almost Family stockholders pursuant to the merger be authorized for listing, and LHC and Almost Family have

agreed to use their reasonable best efforts to cause such shares to be listed, on the NASDAQ subject to official notice of issuance. Upon completion of the merger, shares of Almost Family common stock currently listed on NASDAQ will cease to be listed on NASDAQ and will be subsequently deregistered under the Exchange Act.

The Meetings

The LHC Special Meeting (see page 51)

The special meeting of LHC stockholders is scheduled to be held at LHC’s corporate headquarters located at 901 Hugh Wallis Road South, Lafayette, Louisiana 70508, on                 , 2018, at                 , local time, subject to any adjournments or postponements thereof. The special meeting of LHC stockholders is being held to consider and vote on:

Completion of the merger is conditioned on, among other things, approval of the issuance of shares of LHC common stock to the Almost Family stockholders pursuant to the merger.

Only holders of record of LHC common stock at the close of business on                 , 2018, the record date for the LHC special meeting, are entitled to receive notice of, and to vote at, the LHC special meeting or any adjournments or postponements thereof. At the close of business on the LHC record date,                  shares of LHC common stock were outstanding, approximately     % of which were owned and entitled to be voted by LHC directors and executive officers and their affiliates. We currently expect that LHC’s directors and executive officers will vote any shares they own in favor of each proposal being submitted to a vote of the LHC stockholders at the LHC special meeting, although no director or officer has entered into any agreement obligating him or her to do so.

LHC stockholders may cast one vote for each share of LHC common stock they own. The proposal to approve the issuance of shares of LHC common stock to the Almost Family stockholders pursuant to the merger requires the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of LHC common stock present in person or represented by proxy at the LHC special meeting and entitled to vote on the proposal. Adoption of the amended and restated charter requires the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of LHC common stock entitled to vote on the proposal. Approval of the adjournment proposal requires the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of LHC common stock present in person or represented by proxy at the LHC special meeting and entitled to vote on the proposal. If necessary or appropriate to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes to approve the proposal for the issuance of shares of LHC common stock to the Almost Family stockholders pursuant to the merger, the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of LHC common stock present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote on the proposal may approve any motion to adjourn the meeting to another time or place without further notice unless the adjournment is for more than 30 days or if after the adjournment a new record date is fixed for the adjourned

meeting, in which case a notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at the meeting.

The Almost Family Special Meeting (see page 56)

The special meeting of Almost Family stockholders is scheduled to be held at Almost Family’s corporate headquarters located at 9510 Ormsby Station Road, Suite 300, Louisville, Kentucky 40223, on                 , 2018 at                 , local time, subject to any adjournments or postponements thereof. The special meeting of Almost Family’s stockholders is being held in order to consider and vote on:

Only holders of record of Almost Family common stock at the close of business on                 , 2018, the record date for the Almost Family special meeting, are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Almost Family special meeting or any adjournments or postponements thereof. At the close of business on the Almost Family record date,                  shares of Almost Family common stock were issued and outstanding, approximately     % of which were held by Almost Family’s directors and executive officers and their affiliates. We currently expect that all of Almost Family’s directors and executive officers will vote any shares they own in favor of each proposal being submitted to a vote of the Almost Family stockholders at the Almost Family special meeting, although no director or executive officer has entered into any agreement obligating him to do so.

Almost Family stockholders may cast one vote for each share of Almost Family common stock they own. The proposal to adopt the merger agreement requires the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of Almost Family common stock entitled to vote on the proposal. Approval, on a non-binding advisory basis, of specific compensatory arrangements relating to the merger between Almost Family and its named executive officers requires the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Almost Family common stock present in person or represented by proxy at the Almost Family Special Meeting and entitled to vote on the proposal, although such vote will not be binding on Almost Family or the combined company. Approval of the adjournment proposal requires the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Almost Family common stock present in person or represented by proxy at the Almost Family Special Meeting and entitled to vote on the proposal. If necessary or appropriate to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes to approve the proposal to adopt the merger agreement, the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares present in person or represented by proxy at the Almost Family Special Meeting and entitled to vote on the proposal may approve any motion to adjourn the meeting to another time or place without further notice, other than announcement at the meeting.