2026 CMS Home Health and Hospice Enrollment Moratorium
CMS has paused new Medicare enrollments for home health agencies and hospice providers nationwide for six months.
Effective May 13, 2026, CMS implemented a six-month nationwide moratorium on new Medicare enrollments for home health agencies and hospice providers, along with certain majority ownership changes.
ACHC remains committed to supporting providers through accreditation, education, operational readiness support, and ongoing regulatory updates during this period of increased federal oversight.
What providers need to know
- The moratorium applies to new Medicare enrollments for home health agencies and hospice providers.
- Certain majority ownership changes that require reenrollment may also be impacted.
- Currently enrolled Medicare-certified providers are not affected and may continue operations without interruption.
- CMS has announced increased oversight and enforcement activity during this period.
- ACHC accreditation, educational resources, and readiness support remain available.
Get the ACHC CMS Moratorium FAQ
This moratorium will raise important questions about new enrollments, pending applications, ownership changes, accreditation planning, and ongoing provider responsibilities.
Complete the form to receive ACHC’s detailed FAQ, as well as future updates related to the 2026 CMS home health and hospice Medicare enrollment moratorium.
Protecting program integrity while supporting quality providers
CMS implemented the moratorium amid increased federal focus on fraud, waste, and abuse in home health and hospice. During the six-month period, CMS has stated that it will increase targeted investigations, use advanced data analytics, and accelerate efforts to remove providers suspected of fraud from the Medicare program.
ACHC President & CEO José Domingos has been actively engaged in conversations surrounding fraud prevention, provider accountability, and the future of home-based care.
“Fraud must be addressed decisively, while also protecting access to high-quality care and supporting the many providers operating with integrity." ––José Domingos, President and CEO, ACHC
How ACHC supports providers
During periods of change, accreditation support should make the path clearer, not add unnecessary burden. ACHC combines respected accreditation expertise with an educational, customer-focused approach that helps organizations prepare with confidence, understand expectations, and stay focused on delivering quality care.
Whether your organization is currently accredited, planning for future enrollment, navigating ownership changes, or preparing operationally for when the moratorium is lifted, ACHC is here to help.
ACHC continues to support home health and hospice organizations through:
Clear, practical accreditation standards.
Education and training through ACHCU, the educational division of ACHC.
Regulatory updates and timely provider resources.
Guidance to support survey readiness and operational preparation.
Experienced staff who can help organizations understand their accreditation options.