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
The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health and Ways and Means Committee Jan. 22 hosted hearings on health care affordability that included…
Headline
The AHA Jan. 20 made recommendations to Congress on modernizing the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act. Among the proposals, the AHA recommended…
Headline
The comment period for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' proposed rule for policies governing the Medicare Advantage and Part D programs for…
Headline
The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission Jan. 15 voted to recommend that Congress update Medicare payment rates for hospital inpatient and outpatient services…
Perspective
Public
Every year tens of millions of Americans dig deep into their pocketbooks to pay for health insurance plans that will cover both preventive and necessary care…
Headline
The White House released a health care plan Jan. 15 addressing drug prices, health insurance premiums and price transparency efforts. The plan includes…