HHS declares public health emergency in Oregon due to wildfires

The Department of Health and Human Services yesterday declared a public health emergency and waived certain Medicare, Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program requirements in Oregon due to wildfires. The waivers take effect at 6 p.m. ET today and are retroactive to Sept. 8. HHS also has deployed an incident management team and regional emergency coordinators to the state, and activated the National Disaster Medical System to provide medical and other support.

"We are working closely with Oregon health authorities and monitoring the needs of healthcare facilities to support their efforts to save lives and protect health during these dangerous wildfires," said HHS Secretary Alex Azar. "With this declaration and waiver, the Trump Administration is helping to ensure that Oregonians who rely on Medicare and Medicaid have continuous access to the care they need during this disaster and as communities recover."