LeadingAge Calls on CMS to End Hospice and Home Health Moratoriums

September 12, 2026 - 00:51

LeadingAge has urged the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to end the temporary hospice and home health moratoriums ahead of schedule, arguing that the restrictions are limiting access to care for older adults in several states.

The moratoriums, which CMS implemented in certain geographic areas, prevent new providers from enrolling in Medicare and Medicaid programs as hospice or home health agencies. The agency introduced these pauses to address concerns about fraud and rapid market growth. However, LeadingAge contends that the blanket restrictions now do more harm than good.

In its request, the organization points out that the moratoriums create shortages in regions where demand for in-home and end-of-life care continues to rise. Families in affected areas often face longer wait times and fewer options when seeking services for aging relatives. LeadingAge also notes that established, reputable providers are blocked from expanding into communities that need them most.

The group is asking CMS to lift the moratoriums before their current expiration dates and to consider alternative oversight measures instead. Those alternatives could include stronger background checks, stricter site visits, and targeted enforcement against bad actors rather than broad enrollment freezes.

CMS has not yet responded publicly to the request. Industry observers say the outcome could shape how the agency balances program integrity with patient access in the years ahead. LeadingAge plans to continue pressing the issue with federal officials.