CMS issues additional information on Hurricane Michael waivers

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services yesterday issued several blanket waivers easing certain Medicare, Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program requirements to give health care providers and suppliers greater flexibility to meet emergency health needs during Hurricane Michael. Providers also can request an individual Section 1135 waiver if no blanket waiver is available. The category 4 hurricane made landfall yesterday in the Florida panhandle and was downgraded this morning to a tropical storm. It is expected to sweep through portions of Georgia, the Carolinas and Virginia today before moving into the Atlantic. Four Florida hospitals have evacuated so far, and at least 12 Georgia hospitals were on back-up power this morning. For additional hurricane preparedness resources, visit https://asprtracie.hhs.gov/hurricane-resources and https://www.phe.gov/emergency/events/2018-Severe-Storms.