CMS is monitoring conditions in support of Californians displaced and recovering from the wildfires devastating the state, which HHS Acting Secretary Eric Hargan declared a public health emergency Oct. 15.
The declaration permits CMS to modify certain Medicare, Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program requirements to provide flexibility for beneficiaries seeking health services.
Here are four steps the agency has taken.
1. Waivers for skilled nursing facilities and assistance for hospitals and other healthcare facilities: CMS issued a blanket SNF waiver and the regional office provided technical assistance responses to the state, California Hospital Association and providers on specific types of CMS and other HHS program flexibilities that were available with and without waivers.
2. Special enrollment opportunities for wildfire victims: Individuals and families impacted by the wildfires can change their Medicare health and prescription drug plans immediately if they are eligible for these special enrollment periods.
3. Increasing access to dialysis care: Dialysis patients who cannot receive treatment at their usual facility should contact the designated patient hotline for assistance locating a facility.
4. Establishing the healthcare provider hotline:CMS established a toll-free hotline to service Medicare Part B providers and suppliers in the state helping with recovery efforts enroll in federal health programs and receive temporary Medicare billing privileges.
"As residents of California work to recover and rebuild their lives following the damage caused by the recent wildfires, CMS is taking the necessary steps to provide flexibilities that help meet the medical needs of the individuals and families affected," said CMS Administrator Seema Verma. "Our work will continue as long as those in need struggle to access care for themselves and their families."
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