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

Chairperson's File
Chair File: Hospital Teams Are Ready for Any Emergency
Public
At every hour of every day, people across the U.S. count on their local hospital. For many people, emergencies happen without warning — a heart attack,…
Headline
CMS finalizes rule to codify Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Nov. 5 published a final rule to codify the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program beginning in 2029. The…
Headline
Court rules for Jefferson Health in denying closed-door arbitration of Aetna’s ‘level of severity’ policy, affirming AHA’s legal position
The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania Nov. 4 ruled in favor of Jefferson Health in granting a public resolution to determine the…
Headline
Analysis finds average monthly premiums for Part D stand-alone drug plans to increase 50% in 2027 
The estimated average monthly premium for Medicare Part D stand-alone prescription drug plans is $51 for 2027, a 50% increase from $34 in 2026, for enrollees…
Headline
Blog: Four Reasons the HHS Provider Tax Study Misses the Mark
A new AHA blog examines a Department of Health and Human Services issue brief that claims Medicaid hospital provider taxes increase employer-sponsored…
Blog
HHS Analysis Does Not Establish a Causal Link Between Medicaid Provider Taxes and Commercial Premiums
Public
A recent issue brief from the Department of Health and Human Services asserts that Medicaid hospital provider taxes raise employer-sponsored insurance premiums…