HHS program to reimburse certain patients evacuated from Irma

The National Disaster Medical System has activated its Definitive Care Reimbursement Program for about 85 patients medically evacuated from the U.S. Virgin Islands to Puerto Rico after Hurricane Irma, the Department of Health and Human Services announced yesterday. The program reimburses NDMS-designated facilities for medically-necessary hospital care, home care, rehabilitation, physical therapy and primary care for patients medically evacuated through NDMS after a disaster, if medical care is no longer available in their local area. Facilities receive up to 110% of the Medicare rate for participating in the program, or a comparable rate if the Medicare rate is unavailable. In other hurricane-related news, HHS released a handout offering information and tips to help families deal with the stress of relocation after a disaster.