HHS Acting Secretary Norris Cochran declares public health emergency for Texas due to winter storms

Due to the recent winter storms, HHS Acting Secretary Norris Cochran has declared a public health emergency for the state of Texas. The declaration, which follows President Biden’s emergency declaration for the state last week, enables CMS to give health care providers and suppliers increased flexibility in meeting emergency health needs in disasters. “As communities across Texas are facing the aftermath of severe winter weather that is unusual for the area, we are ready to provide critical support,” said Cochran. “The public health emergency declaration and Social Security Act waiver will help ensure our department’s continued ability to protect access to health care—particularly for those with Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program.” These actions and flexibilities are retroactive to February 11, 2021. They include authorizing the waiver or modification of certain requirements of titles XVIII, XIX, and XXI to ensure that adequate health care items and services are available to meet the needs of individuals enrolled in the Medicare, Medicaid and CHIP programs, and exempt providers from certain penalties. In addition, health care providers in the declared emergency area can request 1135 waivers from CMS. HHS said that it will continue to monitor the storms closely and will make detailed, practical information available to help the public protect themselves, including preventing carbon monoxide poisoning; identifying and disposing of unsafe food, water and medications; and reducing exposure to mold.