US EditionPublic Health Emergency Declared for Washington After Flooding
The declaration provides waivers and CMS flexibilities to support care for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries amid severe storms impacting multiple counties and tribal nations.
- This past week, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, declared a public health emergency for Washington state due to storm-related flooding, landslides, and strong winds.
- Federal and state emergency steps preceded HHS's declaration, with President Donald Trump issuing an emergency declaration on Dec. 12 and Bob Ferguson, Washington governor, declaring a state emergency for 14 counties earlier this month.
- HHS is providing operational tools and waivers, including access to HHS emPOWER to identify Medicare beneficiaries reliant on electricity-dependent durable medical equipment, while waiving HIPAA sanctions and granting CMS greater flexibility, John Knox said.
- HHS said the declaration and waiver will help ensure residents maintain continuous access to care, and FEMA reported on Dec. 23 that Major Disaster assessments continue with SBA support.
- Earlier in December, western Washington endured a series of heavy storms that caused widespread flooding and debris slides, with the designated disaster area covering more than 123,000 square miles by Dec. 16, according to the American Red Cross.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Hastings Tribune
Public health emergency declared for Washington after flooding
SEATTLE — U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. declared a public health emergency for Washington after dozens of communities across the western side of the state were pummeled by flooding.
HHS, Robert Kennedy Jr. declare public health emergency for WA after storms, flooding, landslides
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is declaring a public health emergency for Washington after strong winds, flooding, landslides, and mudslides damaged the region.
HHS declares public health emergency for WA after storms, flooding, landslides
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is declaring a public health emergency for Washington after strong winds, flooding, landslides, and mudslides damaged the region. This declaration follows President Donald Trump’s emergency declaration issued on Dec. 12. Trump’s emergency assistance was dedicated for Benton, Chelan, Clallam, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, King, Kittitas, Lewis, Mason, Pierce, Skagit…
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