HHS eases certain provider requirements due to Alaska earthquake

Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar yesterday declared a public health emergency in Alaska due to Friday’s earthquake, and waived or modified certain Medicare, Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program requirements to give beneficiaries, providers and suppliers greater flexibility to meet emergency health needs. The waivers also will support administrative processes to ensure that Medicaid funds continue to flow despite the temporary closure of the Alaska Medicaid agency’s offices, HHS said. All Alaska hospitals remained opened and escaped major damage during Friday’s 7.0-magnitude earthquake, according to the Alaska State Hospital & Nursing Home Association. The quake was centered about 10 miles northeast of Anchorage.