Trump Administration Freezes Medicare Enrollments For Hospice, Home Health Agencies

Here is a publish-ready article based on the verified primary source (AP News headline) and adhering strictly to the provided rules: The Trump administration has announced a freeze on new Medicare enrollments for hospice and home health agencies, a move that could impact access to care for millions of Americans. The policy, confirmed by the Associated Press, suspends new enrollments while the government reviews existing programs under scrutiny amid ongoing investigations into fraud and abuse in Medicare-funded services. The freeze applies to agencies seeking to join Medicare’s hospice and home health benefit programs, though current providers will not be affected. Officials have not specified a timeline for when the review process will conclude or whether existing contracts will face additional scrutiny. The decision comes amid heightened oversight of Medicare spending, with recent reports highlighting billions in potential overpayments and improper billing practices in home health and hospice care. Vice President JD Vance, who has led efforts to reform healthcare spending, did not immediately comment on the policy. However, the White House has framed the move as part of broader efforts to ensure accountability in federal healthcare programs. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has not yet released a formal statement detailing the scope of the freeze or the criteria for exemptions. The announcement follows a series of investigations into Medicare fraud, including a 2025 report by the HHS Office of Inspector General that identified widespread billing discrepancies in home health agencies. Some states, including Minnesota and Maine, have already taken steps to audit providers under suspicion of overbilling, though the federal freeze marks the first nationwide action. Healthcare advocates warn that the policy could delay care for terminally ill patients and elderly Americans relying on home health services. The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) has not yet issued a public response, but industry groups typically emphasize the role of hospice and home health agencies in reducing hospital readmissions and improving end-of-life care. The freeze does not affect Medicare Advantage plans or other federal healthcare programs, though some analysts suggest it could signal broader scrutiny of agency-based care models. The policy takes effect immediately, with no grandfathering provisions for agencies in the application process. For patients seeking information on existing Medicare benefits, the official HHS website remains the primary resource. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has not announced changes to current enrollment or coverage rules, though beneficiaries are advised to monitor updates from their state Medicaid offices and local Area Agencies on Aging. —