CMS Extends the Medicare Enrollment Freeze for Home Health and Hospice - What It Means for Existing Agencies
On November 12, 2026, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) extended the nationwide moratoria on new Medicare enrollment for home health agencies and hospices for six more months. The original moratoria took effect on May 13, 2026.
CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz said that “fraud in hospice and home health persists and our work isn’t finished.” You can read the full announcement on the CMS website.
For agency owners, this update brings both limits and a new opportunity. Here is what you need to know.
What the Extension Covers
The extended moratoria apply nationwide to both home health agencies (HHAs) and hospices. They cover:
- New applications for initial Medicare enrollment
- Certain changes in majority ownership
Agencies that are already enrolled in Medicare are not affected. They can keep serving patients and billing Medicare as usual.
What Changed - New Practice Locations Are Now Allowed
The biggest change in this extension is good news for existing agencies. Currently enrolled HHAs and hospices can now add new practice locations under their existing Medicare enrollment. The original moratoria did not allow this.
This gives enrolled agencies a path to reach patients in new areas while new competitors remain unable to enroll in Medicare.
Why CMS Extended the Freeze
CMS tied the extension to its ongoing effort to fight fraud in hospice and home health. In October 2026, CMS site visit teams ran a two-day operation targeting HHAs and hospices in California. It led to 145 provider revocations associated with more than $703 million in Medicare and Medicaid payments.
The takeaway is clear. CMS is watching these sectors closely, and any agency that grows needs strong compliance in place.
Related Changes in the CY 2027 Home Health Final Rule
The extension follows the CY 2027 Home Health Prospective Payment System final rule, which CMS issued on November 4, 2026. Key points include:
- An estimated 2.4% increase in total Medicare payments to HHAs, about $415 million, compared with 2026
- Expanded authority for CMS to deny or revoke enrollment based on actions against a provider’s owners or managing organizations
- A requirement that HHAs and hospices re-enroll as new providers, including survey or accreditation, after certain changes in majority ownership
What This Means for Existing Agencies
If your agency is already enrolled in Medicare, you are in a stronger position than new entrants right now. With new enrollments on hold, adding a practice location may be one of the most practical ways to grow your patient base and serve new communities.
Buying another agency is also harder. Certain changes in majority ownership fall under the moratoria, and the new final rule requires re-enrollment as a new provider after those changes. For many owners, expanding through their existing enrollment is now the clearer path.
Growth still has to be done carefully. With CMS focused on program integrity, every new location needs accurate enrollment updates, complete documentation, and compliance practices that hold up under review. A misstep at a new location could put your existing enrollment at risk. Planning ahead helps you expand with confidence.
How HomeSights Consulting Can Help
HomeSights Consulting works with home care agencies to plan and carry out growth the right way. We can help you:
- Decide whether adding a practice location fits your goals
- Plan where and how to expand
- Strengthen your compliance practices before and after you expand
The rules are changing quickly, and the agencies that act thoughtfully now will be best positioned for what comes next.
Ready to explore your expansion options? Contact HomeSights Consulting to schedule a consultation today.