Acting HHS Secretary Don Wright, MD, declared public health emergencies in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi Oct. 8 after Hurricane Nate made landfall.
Dr. Wright made the decision shortly after President Donald Trump declared a state of emergency in the four states. The declarations permit CMS to give greater flexibility to beneficiaries and healthcare providers to meet emergent health needs.
"As communities in our Gulf Coast states are facing Hurricane Nate, HHS is ready to provide critical support to our fellow citizens in need," said Dr. Wright. "HHS assets and personnel will also continue to assist state and local authorities in getting aid to those individuals and families impacted by these storms."
Although the declaration was made Oct. 9, the flexibilities for Louisiana are effective Oct. 5; for Alabama and Mississippi, they are effective Oct. 6; and for Florida, they are effective Oct. 7.
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