Health Law Daily Wrap Up, GENERAL HEALTH CARE NEWS—CMS mobilizes support for Tropical Storm Debby victims in southeastern States, (Aug 15, 2024)

By WK Editorial Staff

CMS is working closely with affected states to ensure beneficiaries have access to needed care.

In the wake of Tropical Storm Debby's destructive path through Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, CMS launched a response to assist affected states, ensuring that health care services remain accessible to those in need. CMS noted that it has expedited the deployment of critical resources and regulatory flexibilities, aiming to support health care providers and beneficiaries impacted by the storm.

According to CMS, one key measure taken is the provision of state waivers. The waivers offer health care providers in the storm-hit areas the necessary leeway to continue services without the usual regulatory constraints. Providers seeking additional flexibilities can apply directly to CMS.

Recognizing the potential disruption to health coverage enrollment caused by the storm, CMS has also opened special enrollment periods through the Federal Health Insurance Exchange. Eligible individuals affected by Tropical Storm Debby will have the opportunity to secure health insurance coverage, even if they missed their initial enrollment window.

To bolster state Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) agencies, CMS rolled out a disaster toolkit. Additionally, dialysis patients, who rely on regular life-saving treatments, are receiving focused support from CMS. Through the activation of the Kidney Community Emergency Response (KCER) program and coordination with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Networks, CMS is working to ensure dialysis facilities are operational and patients can receive treatments, regardless of their location post-evacuation. The agency has also provided guidance on emergency supply kits and dietary plans to help patients manage their health during the emergency.

In addition to these measures, CMS emphasized the importance of health information privacy and civil rights accessibility during emergencies. The agency has signaled that certain HIPAA Privacy Rule sanctions and penalties may be waived for hospitals that activate disaster protocols. Furthermore, the HHS Office for Civil Rights has provided resources to ensure effective communication with individuals requiring language assistance.

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