HHS Secretary Tom Price, MD, declared a public health emergency in the wake of Hurricane Harvey.
"HHS is taking the necessary measures and has mobilized the resources to provide immediate assistance to those affected by Hurricane Harvey," said Dr. Price. "We recognize the gravity of the situation in Texas, and the declaration of a public health emergency will provide additional flexibility and authority to help those who have been impacted by the storm."
Since many Medicare beneficiaries were evacuated to neighboring hospitals as a result of Hurricane Harvey, Dr. Price is also waiving certain Medicare documentation requirements to ensure providers are able to provide care to Medicare beneficiaries impacted by the storm.
These flexibility measures were effective Aug. 28 and have retroactive effect to Aug. 25.