Emergency Relief Resources and Guidance for Hurricane Impacted Providers

—Via AAHomecare, WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 18, 2017)—AAHomecare continues to work with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to find immediate solutions for HME providers serving patients in areas affected by Hurricane Irma. In a conversation with CMS today, the agency offered further resources and contact information for providers facing challenges caring for patients.


It is recommended that you first call state and local authorities to let them know of your situation. AAHomecare has found that local authorities are often able to assist with prioritizing you as a critical service provider, aiding with fuel for generators, helping you find patients, and alleviating other concerns you may be facing. You should also continue to work with FEMA.

CMS is aware the call volume is large for disaster relief agencies. If you are experiencing problems reaching emergency relief services, or have additional questions, concerns, or need help contacting other Federal, State, or local Agencies contact:
Ms. Tawanna Fields, [email protected], 404-562-7371


Extensive contact information can also be found on the Florida website: floridadisaster.org, as well as the HHS site phe.gov.

Other helpful resources include:

• Updated DME Fact Sheet, which can also be found on the CMS Emergency and Hurricanes web page.
• MLN Article for South Carolina and Georgia
• MLN Article for the US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Florida

HME providers are dealing with damaged facilities while offering life-saving medical equipment. Obstacles include filling oxygen tanks and distributing oxygen to displaced patients. The Association is working with CMS to provide immediate assistance to HME providers, while keeping in mind the long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts in these hard-hit areas.

Visit aahomecare.org for more information.