CMS provides update on efforts to help those affected by CA wildfires

Oct 20, 2017 - 08:55 AM

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has provided an on a number of actions the agency has taken to help individuals and providers affected by the California wildfires. Acting Health and Human Services Secretary Eric Hargan Oct. 15 declared a public health emergency in California, retroactive to Oct. 8, allowing CMS to waive or modify certain Medicare, Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program requirements to provide health services. In addition, CMS said its regional offices have been working with the California Hospital Association and providers on specific types of CMS and other HHS program flexibilities that are available with and without waivers. CMS also has made available special enrollment periods for all Medicare beneficiaries affected by the wildfires, and the agency has established a toll-free hotline to assist certain health care providers and suppliers helping with recovery efforts with enrolling in federal health programs and receiving temporary Medicare billing privileges. 

Related News Articles

Headline
House Budget Committee rejects reconciliation bill
The House Budget Committee May 16 voted 21-16 against advancing the fiscal year 2025 budget reconciliation bill, with five Republicans joining all Democrats in…
Headline
AHA urges Department of Commerce to enact tariff exceptions for critical minerals used in medical devices
The AHA May 16 urged the Department of Commerce to consider tariff exceptions for critical minerals and derivative products used for medical purposes. Critical…
Headline
Judge: HHS has authority to preapprove implementation of 340B ‘rebate models’
A U.S. district court judge for the District of Columbia May 15 ruled the Department of Health and Human Services must preapprove the use of 340B “rebate…
Headline
Agencies to collaborate on pharmaceutical manufacturing projects using AI
The Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response May 15 announced it is launching four pharmaceutical manufacturing projects using artificial…
Headline
U.S. at 1,024 measles cases
There have been 1,024 confirmed cases of measles across the U.S. so far in 2025, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and…
Headline
FDA clears first blood test for detecting Alzheimer’s
The Food and Drug Administration May 16 announced it cleared the first blood test to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease. The test, created by Fujirebio Diagnostics,…