Update 5/18: New from the Governor’s office – Governor DeWine Signs Executive Order Approving Emergency Rules on Medicaid Provider Revalidation. “Ohio Governor Mike DeWine today signed Executive Order 2026-01D to allow the Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) to implement emergency rules to require more frequent revalidation of providers being identified as higher-risk for committing fraud. ”
On Wednesday, May 13th, CMS and Ohio Governor Mike DeWine made significant regulatory and policy announcements affecting the home health and hospice industry in Ohio. It is extremely important that you read and understand these announcements linked below.
- From U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services: “CMS Announces Aggressive Nationwide Crackdown on Fraud with Six-Month Hospice and Home Health Agency Enrollment Moratoria” Follow this link to read the full release on CMS.gov
- From Ohio Governor Mike DeWine: “Governor DeWine Announces New Medicaid Fraud Prevention Initiatives” Follow this link to read the full release on Governor.ohio.gov
The Ohio Council for Home Care & Hospice supports efforts to ensure accountability, transparency, and integrity within the Medicaid program. Protecting taxpayer dollars and ensuring patients receive high-quality care are priorities shared by providers across Ohio’s home and community-based care continuum.
At the same time, it is important to recognize that the overwhelming majority of Ohio’s home care and hospice providers operate with professionalism, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to patient care. These agencies serve some of the state’s most vulnerable residents every day — allowing older adults, individuals with disabilities, and medically complex patients to remain safely in their homes and communities.
As conversations surrounding fraud prevention continue, we encourage policymakers and the public to avoid broad generalizations that unintentionally undermine trust in an industry built on dedicated caregivers, clinicians, and community-based providers. Isolated instances of misconduct should not define the many agencies and professionals who consistently deliver ethical, compliant, and patient-centered care.
The Ohio Council for Home Care & Hospice remains committed to collaborating with state and federal leaders, regulators, and providers to strengthen oversight, support compliance education, and promote policies that preserve access to quality home and community-based services for Ohioans. We are committed to keeping you informed as the situation develops.
Thank you,
Lisa Von Lehmden
Executive Director
Ohio Council for Home Care and Hospice
