President signs disaster relief package

President Trump yesterday signed legislation providing $19.1 billion in disaster relief for areas affected by hurricanes, wildfires and other recent natural disasters. Approved by Congress this week, the legislation provides $1.4 billion for Puerto Rico, including funding to repair infrastructure and stabilize health care systems; and funding for Medicaid programs in the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam and American Samoa to support health services. Other health care-related funding includes $100 million for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to support behavioral health treatment and other services for people affected by recent natural disasters; and $80 million for the Health Resources and Services Administration to help support community health center services and renovation in disaster-affected areas.