Federal health officials said the six-month nationwide freeze is aimed at stopping fraudulent operators accused of exploiting Medicare patients and taxpayer funds.

By yourNEWS Media Newsroom

The Trump administration on Wednesday ordered a six-month nationwide suspension on new Medicare enrollments for hospice providers and home health agencies as federal officials intensify efforts to combat fraud within the healthcare system.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced the temporary freeze as part of a broader enforcement initiative targeting what officials described as widespread abuse involving fraudulent billing practices and exploitation of vulnerable patients.

Under the policy, CMS will block new hospice and home health agency enrollments nationwide while federal investigators expand oversight operations and accelerate actions against providers suspected of fraudulent activity.

“We’ve seen systemic and deeply troubling fraud in the hospice and home health space, with bad actors exploiting some of our most vulnerable Medicare patients and stealing money from the American taxpayer,” CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz said in a statement.

Federal officials said the temporary suspension is designed to prevent operators under investigation from avoiding scrutiny by relocating or reapplying for Medicare participation in other states.

According to CMS, the enrollment freeze will give regulators additional time to strengthen investigations, identify suspect billing networks, and remove providers believed to be abusing the Medicare system.

The administration said hospice and home health programs have become significant targets for organized fraud schemes involving improper enrollments, false claims, and misuse of federal healthcare funds.

During the six-month suspension period, CMS officials said enforcement personnel will work to identify high-risk providers and expand screening measures intended to prevent fraudulent agencies from entering the Medicare system.

The agency did not specify how many existing hospice or home health agencies currently are under investigation but stated that enforcement activity would increase nationwide during the freeze.