On May 13, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a six-month nationwide moratorium on new hospice and home health Medicare enrollments, citing ongoing concerns related to fraud, waste, and program integrity. The policy applies to new providers and certain changes of ownership and took effect immediately. Federal officials indicated the moratorium may be extended if additional oversight measures are deemed necessary. The National Alliance for Care at Home said it supports aggressive efforts to remove fraudulent operators from the Medicare system, but cautioned that a nationwide freeze may reach beyond the markets where fraud concerns are actually concentrated. In a statement released Tuesday, Alliance leaders argued that publicly available enforcement data points to fraud activity clustered within specific geographic regions and among identifiable actors — making targeted oversight strategies more effective than broad national restrictions. “The majority of home health and hospice providers deliver compliant, patient-centered, and clinically appropriate care to individuals with complex needs, often in their most vulnerable moments.” — Jennifer Sheets, CEO, National Alliance for Care at Home |
Alliance officials also warned that enrollment moratoria can reduce competition, slow innovation, and worsen access-to-care challenges in communities already facing workforce shortages and growing patient demand — particularly in rural and underserved regions. One portion of the CMS announcement viewed positively by providers was confirmation that required face-to-face recertification visits may continue to be conducted through telehealth during the moratorium period, helping reduce the likelihood of unnecessary care disruptions for patients and families. The Alliance said it will continue working with Congress and federal regulators on program integrity efforts that strengthen oversight while protecting access to safe, high-quality care at home. | 
