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
CMS releases updated report on complaint data, enforcement efforts 
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has released an updated report on complaint data and enforcement of health insurance market reforms. CMS said…
Headline
Survey finds 1 in 5 privately insured adults reported coverage denials for doctor-recommended care
A survey released June 4 by the Commonwealth Fund on insurance coverage denials found that 1 in 5 privately insured U.S. adults reported that they or a family…
Headline
Representatives join hospital leaders at AHA briefing to discuss need for legislation on prompt payment standard for MA plans  
Members of Congress and hospital and health system leaders today gathered for a briefing in Washington, D.C., to discuss how payment delays in Medicare…
Headline
CMS finalizes changes to Increasing Organ Transplant Access Model 
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services May 28 issued a final rule making changes to the Increasing Organ Transplant Access Model beginning July 1.…
Headline
House committee advances hospital billing legislation 
The House Education and Workforce Committee May 21 unanimously passed the Transparency in Billing Act (H.R. 8684). The bill would require off-campus hospital…
Headline
CDC releases advisory on Ebola outbreak
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention yesterday issued an advisory on the Ebola disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.…