CMS provides update on efforts to help those affected by CA wildfires

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has provided an update on a number of actions the agency has taken to help individuals and providers affected by the California wildfires. Acting Health and Human Services Secretary Eric Hargan Oct. 15 declared a public health emergency in California, retroactive to Oct. 8, allowing CMS to waive or modify certain Medicare, Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program requirements to provide health services. In addition, CMS said its regional offices have been working with the California Hospital Association and providers on specific types of CMS and other HHS program flexibilities that are available with and without waivers. CMS also has made available special enrollment periods for all Medicare beneficiaries affected by the wildfires, and the agency has established a toll-free hotline to assist certain health care providers and suppliers helping with recovery efforts with enrolling in federal health programs and receiving temporary Medicare billing privileges.