Federal Policy · WA
HHS Declares Public Health Emergency for Washington Wildfires, Enabling Section 1135 Waivers
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. declared a public health emergency for Washington state on August 7, 2026, following President Trump's emergency declaration on August 4. The dual declarations enable Washington to request Section 1135 waivers, which allow temporary flexibility from certain Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP regulatory requirements during the wildfire emergency. The Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response has deployed regional staff to support state response efforts, and the Washington State Hospital Association is providing resources to assist providers.
Why it mattersThe public health emergency declaration unlocks Section 1135 waiver authority for Washington's Medicaid program, allowing the state to temporarily waive prior authorization, extend enrollment deadlines, relax provider enrollment rules, and adjust reimbursement policies to maintain access during the wildfire crisis.