The HHS Office of the Inspector General (OIG) is turning its attention to new hospice providers under Medicare, according to an April update to the work plan. 
 
Titled “Trends, Patterns, and Key Comparisons Related to New Medicare Hospice Provider Enrollments May Indicate the Need for Further Oversight,” the new item aims to evaluate trends and potential vulnerabilities related to new Medicare hospice provider enrollments. New enrollees must meet several requirements, including CMS certification, licensure under state and local law and ongoing compliance with the Conditions of Participation. 
 
The work plan reflects growing scrutinization around hospice fraud, including from officials in President Donald Trump’s administration. The OIG noted in the announcement that the related data brief could help CMS identify opportunities for “additional monitoring and program integrity efforts to ensure that hospices meet all the requirements.” 
 
The report is expected to be published in 2026. 
 
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