HHS declares public health emergency in New Mexico due to wildfires聽

The Department of Health and Human Services this week declared a in New Mexico due to wildfires and certain Medicare, Medicaid and Children鈥檚 Health Insurance Program requirements to give health care providers greater flexibility to meet emergency health needs.
鈥淲e are working closely with health authorities in New Mexico and monitoring the needs of healthcare facilities to support their efforts to save lives and protect health during this dangerous wildfire, which has been accelerated over the past month by straight-line winds,鈥 HHS Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response Dawn O鈥機onnell. 鈥淲ith this declaration and waiver, HHS is helping ensure that citizens of New Mexico who rely on Medicare and Medicaid have continuous access to the care they need during this disaster and as their communities recover.鈥