HHS waives certain requirements for Puerto Rico due to hurricane

Sep 21, 2022 - 04:02 PM
hurricane

Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra yesterday declared a public health emergency in Puerto Rico due to flooding from Hurricane Fiona, and waived or modified certain Medicare, Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program requirements to ensure sufficient health care items and services are available.

HHS and the Federal Emergency Management Agency have deployed medical and emergency management teams to Puerto Rico, and HHS’ National Disaster Medical System, Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are prepared to provide additional support if needed. The territory also is using HHS’ data to help respond to the needs of Medicare beneficiaries who rely on electricity-dependent medical equipment and services. 
 
 

Related News Articles

Headline
AHA praises legislation extending incentive payments for Medicare Advanced Alternative Payment Models
The AHA Aug. 28 expressed support for the Preserving Patient Access to Accountable Care Act in comments to House and Senate sponsors of the bill. The…
Headline
Weather threats to drug production facilities examined in study
A JAMA study published Aug. 20 found that nearly 63% of all U.S. drug production facilities from 2019 through 2024 were in counties where a weather disaster…
Headline
HHS, CMS to form committee providing federal health program recommendations
The Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Aug. 21 announced the creation of a Healthcare Advisory…
Headline
Analysis projects increases in state uninsured rates following passage of budget reconciliation bill
A KFF analysis published Aug. 20 provides a state-by-state allocation of Congressional Budget Office estimates that 10 million people could be uninsured by…
Headline
Study shows Medicare Part D changes could lead to higher cost sharing for some beneficiaries
A JAMA study published Aug. 18 found that plan design changes by Medicare Part D insurers, particularly for Medicare Advantage plans, following passage of the…
Headline
Administration orders six-month stockpile of ingredients for domestic drug supply 
The White House Aug. 13 released an executive order directing the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness…