HHS Declares Public Health Emergencies for Florida, Alabama

HHS declared public health emergencies for Florida and Alabama following Hurricane Isaias, after presidential disaster declarations for both states were made Oct. 9. The combination of a presidential declaration and a PHE allows HHS to waive certain Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP regulatory requirements under section 1135 of the Social Security Act. These waivers typically ease provider enrollment, prior authorization, and other administrative rules to maintain beneficiary access during the disaster response. State Medicaid agencies and providers in the affected areas can expect to operate under relaxed federal requirements while the declarations remain in effect.

CHIP · Managed Care