Federal Moratorium on Home Health and Hospice Enrollment Raises Access, Oversight Questions

Posted on May 14, 2026 by LeadingAge Minnesota

On Wednesday, May 13, Vice President J.D. Vance and CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz announced the imposition of a six-month nationwide moratorium on new Medicare enrollments for home health agencies and hospice providers.

In a press conference yesterday, the current federal administration said the move is part of a broader federal anti-fraud initiative aimed at curbing waste and abuse in Medicare and Medicaid programs.

Details of the Moratorium

Under the moratorium, CMS will deny new Medicare enrollment applications for home health and hospice providers nationwide, including certain ownership changes. Federal officials say the pause will allow regulators to intensify oversight and investigate suspected fraudulent activity that has surfaced in several states. Dr. Oz described the action as necessary to “shut the door on fraud” and protect vulnerable beneficiaries.

Implications for Minnesota Providers

For aging services providers in Minnesota, the implications are mixed. On one hand, legitimate providers have long expressed frustration that fraudulent operators damage public trust, strain oversight resources, and create unfair competition. Some nonprofit hospice leaders have even called for stronger federal enforcement targeted at bad actors.

At the same time, there are concerns that a blanket nationwide moratorium could unintentionally worsen access challenges, particularly in rural communities where workforce shortages and limited post-acute capacity already exist. The moratorium could also make hospital discharge planning more difficult and delay access to needed home and community-based services.

The announcement also raises broader questions about future federal oversight. CMS indicated the moratorium could be extended beyond six months if warranted, signaling a more aggressive regulatory posture for home health and hospice moving forward. Providers should expect increased scrutiny around enrollment, ownership changes, billing practices, and compliance documentation in the months ahead.

In short, fraud prevention and control efforts must account for how they would impact access to care for older adults.

LeadingAge Minnesota will provide more information as it becomes available.