Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra yesterday declared a public health emergency for South Carolina to address the health impacts of Hurricane Ian, and waived or modified certain Medicare, Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program requirements to ensure sufficient health care items and services are available.

HHS and the Federal Emergency Management Agency have deployed medical and emergency management teams to the state, and HHS’ National Disaster Medical System, Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are prepared to provide additional support if needed. South Carolina also is using HHS’ data  to help prepare and respond to the needs of Medicare beneficiaries who rely on electricity-dependent medical equipment and services. 

Related News Articles

Headline
A new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine calls for developing better diagnostics, vaccines and treatments to enhance U.S…
Headline
AHA March 18 shared with the House Ways and Means Committee its proposals to strengthen access to timely emergency medical care, particularly in rural and…
Headline
The AHA and other founding members of the Common Health Coalition March 13 committed to action in four priority areas: coordination between health care and…
Headline
The AHA CLEAR Crisis Leadership Video Series, now available on demand, features hospital and health system leaders sharing insights, strategies and lessons…
Headline
Convening Leaders for Emergency and Response, AHA’s hub for emergency response and disaster preparedness resources, has released a “tip sheet” to help health…
Headline
More than 100 organizations, including the AHA, urged congressional leaders Nov. 14 to reauthorize for an additional five years the Pandemic and All-Hazards…