The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced additional resources and flexibilities in response to Hurricane Milton, which struck Florida earlier this month.
Following President Biden’s emergency declaration and the determination of a Public Health Emergency (PHE) by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra, CMS is taking actions to ensure access to healthcare for those affected by the hurricane. CMS is collaborating with state and federal partners to provide support to hospitals, health facilities, and individuals in need during this crisis.
Waivers for Healthcare Providers in Florida: CMS has made specific waivers available to healthcare providers impacted by the hurricane. These waivers provide added flexibility to ensure that facilities can continue operating and delivering care. Providers can submit requests for waivers through CMS’s online portal.
Special Enrollment Period for Affected Individuals: CMS is offering a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for individuals who reside in areas affected by Hurricane Milton and missed the regular enrollment period for healthcare coverage. These individuals can enroll in Marketplace health plans or make changes to existing plans up to 60 days after the end of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)-designated disaster period. Those eligible should contact the Marketplace Call Center for assistance.
Support for Medicaid and CHIP Operations: CMS has developed a toolkit for Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) agencies to ensure continuity of coverage during disasters. This inventory includes flexibilities that states can use to support Medicaid and CHIP beneficiaries during emergencies, providing vital healthcare services and coverage.
Dialysis Care and End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Support: CMS has activated the Kidney Community Emergency Response (KCER) program and is working with ESRD Network 7 to assess the status of dialysis facilities in Florida. The program ensures that individuals in affected areas have access to lifesaving dialysis services, including help for those who have evacuated. ESRD patients are advised to keep an emergency supply kit with essential medical and personal information.
Medical Equipment and Supplies Replacement: CMS will assist Medicare beneficiaries who have lost or damaged medical equipment, such as prosthetics or durable medical equipment, due to the hurricane. Replacements will be provided to ensure that people can continue to access the equipment they rely on daily. Beneficiaries should contact Medicare for assistance with replacements.
Access to Part D Drugs: During the PHE, CMS has issued guidance for Part D prescription drug plans to ensure that beneficiaries displaced by the hurricane can access their medications. This includes allowing access to out-of-network pharmacies and removing restrictions on refill timelines, such as the “refill too soon” edits.
Health Information Privacy and Civil Rights Compliance: The HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has provided guidance on Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliance during emergencies. Hospitals in affected areas may receive temporary waivers for HIPAA sanctions during the emergency period. Additionally, OCR emphasizes the importance of ensuring accessibility to healthcare and human services for all individuals, including those needing interpretation and translation services. OCR offers resources to help first responders and healthcare providers address language needs in disaster situations.
In summary, CMS is working to provide healthcare access and continuity of care for those affected by Hurricane Milton. This includes offering waivers to healthcare providers, expanding enrollment options for individuals, ensuring access to critical dialysis care and medical equipment, and providing support for vulnerable populations during the PHE in Florida.
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