The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced additional resources and flexibilities available in response to Hurricane Milton in Florida. CMS is working closely with the State of Florida and federal partners to put these flexibilities in place to ensure those affected by this natural disaster have access to the care they need – when they need it most.
On October 7, 2024, President Biden determined that an emergency exists in Florida due to the emergency conditions resulting from Hurricane Milton beginning October 5, 2024, and continuing. Additionally, on October 8, 2024, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra determined that a Public Health Emergency (PHE) exists in Florida and has existed since October 5, 2024.
CMS stands ready to assist with resources and waivers to ensure hospitals and other facilities can continue to operate and provide access to care to those impacted by the consequences of the hurricane.
The following is key information on resources for those affected and actions CMS is taking in response to the hurricane in Florida:
State of Florida Waivers:
CMS waivers are available to providers in Florida who have been affected by Hurricane Milton. Healthcare providers who need additional flexibilities specific to the effects resulting from Hurricane Milton can submit a request to CMS here: https://cmsqualitysupport.servicenowservices.com/cms_1135
Marketplace Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for Hurricane Milton Victims:
During a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) declared Major or Emergency disaster event, individuals who reside in states served by HealthCare.gov and who miss their existing SEP or who miss enrollment during the Open Enrollment Period are eligible for an SEP to enroll in Marketplace coverage. FEMA-emergency affected individuals will have up to 60 days from the end of the FEMA-designated incident period to select a new Marketplace plan or make changes to their existing Marketplace plan. FEMA-emergency affected individuals must contact the Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596 or TTY at 1855-889-4325 and indicate they were eligible for an enrollment window but were unable to complete their enrollment due to a FEMA-designated emergency or disaster. For more information, visit: https://www.cms.gov/cciio/resources/regulations-and-guidance/fema_sep
Disaster Toolkit and Support for State Medicaid and CHIP Agencies:
To prepare for current and future disasters, CMS has developed an inventory of Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) flexibilities and authorities available to states in the event of a disaster to support Medicaid and CHIP operations and ensure continuity of coverage for people served through Medicaid and CHIP programs during times of crisis. For more information and to access the inventory and toolkit, visit: https://www.medicaid.gov/state-resource-center/disaster-response-toolkit/index.html
Medical Equipment and Supplies Replacements:
CMS will permit people with Medicare who have lost or realized damage to their durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies as a result of the hurricane to receive replacements of such items and services. This will help to ensure beneficiaries can continue to access the needed medical equipment and supplies they rely on each day. People with Medicare can contact 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) for assistance.
CMS will continue to work with the State of Florida and those areas impacted by the hurricane. We encourage beneficiaries and providers of healthcare services that have been impacted to seek help by visiting CMS’ emergency webpage (www.cms.gov/emergency).
To find additional preparedness and response resources for the health sector and emergency management professionals, please visit: https://www.phe.gov/emergency/Tools/Pages/default.aspx