The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (“CMS”) announced a six-month nationwide moratoria on new Medicare enrollment for home health agencies (“HHAs”) and hospices, effective May 13, 2026. In the notice, CMS cited its efforts to address fraud, waste, and abuse in the Medicare program. During the moratoria period, CMS will increase targeted investigations, deploy advanced data analytics, and accelerate the removal from the Medicare program HHAs and hospices suspected of committing fraud. These efforts are similar to those announced by CMS earlier this year with respect to certain suppliers of Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (“DMEPOS”). See here.
See below for additional high-level details. Note, a detailed case-by-case analysis may be necessary to assess the moratoria impact on a particular HHA or hospice.
Beginning on May 13, 2026, no new HHA or hospice will be enrolled into Medicare for a six-month period. Currently enrolled HHAs and hospices will be largely unaffected and can generally: (1) continue to participate in Medicare; (2) submit claims for services; and (3) make certain changes to enrollment information. The moratoria does not apply to an enrollment application received by the Medicare Administrative Contractor prior to the date the moratoria was imposed. Moreover, the moratoria does not apply to state Medicaid programs; however, each state can determine how to handle the same. CMS has offered to consult with state programs on the prospect of implementing similar measures.
Moratoria are implemented for six months. They can be extended for additional six-month periods, if necessary. CMS has stated that the moratoria may be extended based on the findings from the initial six-month period. Notice of an extension or end to the moratorium will be announced through a Federal Register notice.
Certificate of need (“CON”) states for hospice providers are also actively evaluating the operational and regulatory implications of the moratoria for applicants with approved, conditionally approved, or pending CON applications. Industry stakeholders and provider associations have initiated discussions and advocacy efforts with CMS and policymakers regarding potential exceptions, transition pathways, or clarifications for low-risk CON states, where providers are subject to extensive state-level planning, need determination, and oversight processes prior to licensure and Medicare enrollment. Additional federal and state guidance may emerge as CMS and CON jurisdictions assess implementation impacts during the moratoria period.
HHAs and hospices must adhere to a significant number of regulatory requirements and are strictly monitored due, in part, to risk profile. Advis can help navigate this complex environment. If you have any questions on the recently announced Medicare enrollment moratoria, please contact Advis.
Published May 19, 2026
