CMS Announces HME Policy for Areas Hit by Fires

WASHINGTON—The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced it is making additional resources and flexibilities available in response to the wildfires in Southern California. 

“CMS is working closely with the state of California 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,” the agency wrote in its announcement.

Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra declared a public health emergency in California dating back to Friday, Jan. 7. 

The announcement includes these provisions related to home medical equipment:

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 wildfires to receive replacements of such items and services. This aims 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.

Additional details can be found in this new Waiver/Modification of Requirements document, which notes that the waivers and modifications became effective on Sunday, Jan. 12, but have retroactive effect back to Friday, Jan. 7. 

CMS announced additional measures that include updates on dialysis care, some HIPAA flexibility and information about assessing and managing language needs in a disaster-impacted community. More information is available here.