CMS Introduces Emergency Resources for Healthcare in Hawaii
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has introduced new resources and adjustments for the Public Health Emergency in Hawaii caused by severe weather, including storms and flooding, starting March 10, 2026. These initiatives aim to safeguard healthcare access for impacted residents, in collaboration with the State of Hawaii and federal entities.
After the emergency designation by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., CMS implemented waivers and resources to support healthcare providers in Hawaii. These provisions include blanket waivers retroactive to March 10, 2026, allowing healthcare professionals to request flexibility using the CMS 1135 Waiver/Flexibility Request form.
In terms of insurance enrollment response, affected individuals in areas serviced by HealthCare.gov now have access to a special enrollment period. This period provides up to 60 days post-incident for plan changes or new enrollments. Residents must contact the Marketplace Call Center to address missed enrollment opportunities related to the disaster.
Emergency Support for Medicaid and Dialysis Services
CMS has developed a Medicaid and CHIP Disaster Response Toolkit to aid state agencies in maintaining operational continuity during emergencies. This includes a list of flexibilities and authorities for states facing disaster conditions.
For those requiring dialysis, CMS activated the Kidney Community Emergency Response (KCER) program, in collaboration with ESRD Network 17, to assess dialysis facilities in affected areas. The program ensures emergency information reaches patients, advising them to maintain a personal emergency kit. For assistance, individuals can contact the ESRD Network 17 hotline.
Medicare beneficiaries can replace lost or damaged durable medical equipment due to flooding, ensuring access to necessary supplies. Beneficiaries are encouraged to contact Medicare for support in these circumstances.
Prescription and Privacy Considerations
Regarding prescription drug access, CMS directs Part D sponsors to facilitate medication access through out-of-network pharmacies if local access is compromised due to the emergency. Plans are also required to waive "refill too soon" restrictions as appropriate.
During the Public Health Emergency, specific HIPAA Privacy Rule provisions may be waived for hospitals implementing disaster protocols. These waivers are limited in duration, with the HHS Office for Civil Rights offering guidance on HIPAA compliance during emergencies. A checklist is available to assist hospitals in meeting language service needs and ensuring effective communication during disasters.
CMS remains committed to collaborating with Hawaii and encourages healthcare providers and beneficiaries to utilize resources via CMS's emergency webpage. Additional preparedness resources can be accessed through the Public Health Emergency website, with stakeholders advised to follow CMS news channels for ongoing updates. This reinforces CMS's commitment to supporting healthcare access in times of crisis, providing comprehensive guidance for affected regions.