CMS Hospice Enrollment Moratorium: What It Means for Patients and Families

Bristol Hospice care team member sitting with a patient and family member at home, representing continuity of compassionate hospice care

On May 13, 2026, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a six-month nationwide moratorium on new Medicare enrollments for hospice and home health providers. If you have seen headlines about this and are wondering what it means for your loved one’s care, we want to give you a clear, straightforward answer.

If your loved one is already receiving care through Bristol Hospice, this moratorium does not change the hospice services provided under your current care plan. The moratorium does not restrict established Medicare-enrolled providers from continuing to care for eligible patients.

This article explains what the moratorium is, why CMS implemented it, and what families need to know.

This article is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. If you have questions specific to your loved one’s care, please contact our team directly. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

What Is the CMS Hospice Enrollment Moratorium?

A moratorium is a temporary pause. CMS has placed a six-month pause on the processing of new Medicare enrollment applications from hospice agencies and home health agencies. This means that organizations seeking initial Medicare enrollment as a new hospice provider cannot submit or have applications processed while the moratorium is in effect.

The moratorium took effect on May 13, 2026. It applies nationwide and covers initial Medicare enrollment applications for new hospice providers, as well as certain changes in majority ownership that CMS treats as new enrollments under federal regulations. CMS has noted that applications submitted after the implementation date will be denied rather than held for later review.

The agency has stated it may extend the moratorium in additional six-month increments if conditions warrant. During the pause, CMS has indicated it will intensify investigations, use data analytics to identify suspicious billing patterns, and work to remove providers suspected of improper activity from the Medicare program.

Why Did CMS Implement This Moratorium?

CMS cited a significant increase in the number of new hospice providers entering the Medicare program in recent years, particularly in certain regions, along with a corresponding rise in billing irregularities. The agency determined that existing enrollment screening procedures were not sufficient to prevent misconduct at the point of entry into the program.

The moratorium is directed at the enrollment process itself — specifically at new provider applications — rather than at established, operating hospice providers or the patients they serve.

Does This Moratorium Affect Current Hospice Patients?

Based on the CMS announcement, the moratorium is directed at new Medicare enrollment applications and certain ownership changes. It does not prevent established Medicare-enrolled hospice providers from continuing to serve eligible patients.

CMS has stated that existing enrolled providers are not directly affected and may continue to operate and bill for covered services under their current enrollment, provided they remain compliant with Medicare participation requirements.

Patient enrollment with existing providers is not impacted. If you or a loved one is considering hospice care and would like to speak with our team about eligibility, the moratorium does not create a barrier to receiving care through an established enrolled provider.

What Does This Mean for Bristol Hospice?

Bristol Hospice is a long-established, Medicare-enrolled hospice provider with more than 20 years of experience delivering compassionate end-of-life care across several states nationwide. We are fully enrolled and fully operational.

Bristol Hospice holds CHAP accreditation at the corporate level, having achieved a Deficiency-Free survey — a reflection of our commitment to care quality across our organization. Our Hospice Item Set (HIS) score is 99.5 percent, compared to a national average of 91.5 percent. These figures are publicly reported through Medicare and reflect the standard of care our teams work to maintain every day.

Our focus remains on providing clear guidance, compassionate support, and quality hospice care for patients and families. If you have questions about your loved one’s care or about hospice eligibility, our team is available to speak with you at any time.

What Should Families Know When Choosing a Hospice Provider?

When evaluating hospice care for a loved one, there are several indicators of quality and accountability worth looking for.

Accreditation provides an independent measure of quality. Providers accredited by nationally recognized organizations such as the Community Health Accreditation Partner (CHAP) have undergone a thorough review of their clinical practices and organizational standards.

Medicare quality scores are publicly available. CMS publishes performance data for hospice providers through its Care Compare tool at medicare.gov. Families can use this resource to review quality scores for any hospice they are considering.

History and operational experience are also worth considering. An established provider with verifiable performance data and years of community presence offers a different foundation than a newly formed organization.

A trustworthy hospice provider will answer your questions directly, explain services clearly, and give you the time you need to make a decision that is right for your family.

What Does the Medicare Hospice Benefit Cover?

For families who may be new to hospice, it is helpful to understand what the Medicare hospice benefit provides. Hospice care is covered under Medicare Part A for patients who meet eligibility criteria — generally, a physician has determined that the patient has a terminal illness with a prognosis of six months or less if the illness follows its expected course.

The Medicare hospice benefit covers physician and nursing services, pain and symptom management, medical equipment and supplies related to the terminal diagnosis, home health aide and homemaker services, social work, chaplaincy and spiritual care, volunteer support, and bereavement support for the family after the patient passes. There are no deductibles and no lifetime limits on the hospice benefit. Patients who outlive the initial benefit period can be recertified as long as they continue to meet eligibility criteria.

Respite care is also a covered benefit under the Medicare hospice benefit, providing temporary inpatient care so that family caregivers can rest. You can learn more in our guide to What Is Hospice Respite Care.

The moratorium does not change any aspect of the Medicare hospice benefit. Every service available to eligible patients remains fully intact.

Frequently Asked Questions About the CMS Hospice Moratorium

What is the CMS hospice enrollment moratorium?
It is a six-month nationwide pause on new Medicare enrollment applications from hospice and home health agencies, announced by CMS on May 13, 2026. During this period, CMS will not accept or process new provider enrollment applications in these categories.

Does the moratorium affect patients already receiving hospice care?
Based on the CMS announcement, the moratorium applies to new enrollment applications from providers. Existing enrolled providers may continue to operate and serve eligible patients under their current Medicare enrollment.

Can new patients still enroll in hospice?
Yes. New patients can enroll in hospice care with existing Medicare-enrolled providers. The moratorium does not prevent established providers from accepting new patients.

Does the moratorium affect Bristol Hospice?
Bristol Hospice is a long-established, fully enrolled Medicare hospice provider. Based on the CMS announcement, the moratorium on new enrollments does not affect our ability to serve existing patients or accept new patients across our locations.

How long will the moratorium last?
CMS has announced a six-month moratorium effective May 13, 2026. The agency has the authority to extend it in additional six-month increments.

How do I know if a hospice provider is legitimate?
You can look for national accreditation such as CHAP, review Medicare Care Compare quality scores at medicare.gov, and ask about the provider’s history and years of operation. Our care team is available to answer any questions you have about our credentials and services.

Does the moratorium change my Medicare hospice benefits?
No. The Medicare hospice benefit remains unchanged. Coverage, services, and eligibility criteria are not affected by the moratorium.

We Are Here When You Are Ready

Regulatory news in healthcare can feel unsettling, particularly when you are already navigating a difficult chapter. We hope this article provides the clarity you need.

If you have questions about hospice care, whether your loved one may be eligible, or what services are available in your area, our care team is ready to speak with you — with no pressure and no obligation. Our focus remains on providing compassionate, individualized hospice care and clear guidance for every family we serve.

You do not have to navigate this alone. We are here when you are ready.

Learn More About Hospice Care at Bristol Hospice

Bristol Hospice provides compassionate hospice and palliative care across several states nationwide. If you have questions about our services, eligibility, or the Medicare hospice benefit, contact our care team today.

You may also find these related resources helpful:

This article is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. If you have questions about hospice care or whether your loved one qualifies, contact us any time at 1-855-BRISTOL. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.