Earthquakes

Puerto Rico earthquake (2019)

Secretary Azar used his authority in the Public Health Service Act to declare a public health emergency (PHE) in Puerto Rico on January 8, 2020 giving us the flexibility to support our beneficiaries, effective December 28, 2019.

• Puerto Rico earthquake 1135 waiver
• Puerto Rico earthquake 1812(f) waiver (PDF) 

You can read the blanket waivers (PDF) for Puerto Rico earthquake

You can also see:

• Our Provider Message and MLN Matters article, "Medicare Fee-for-Service (FFS) Response to the 2020 Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Earthquakes (PDF)"
• Provider survey and certification frequently asked questions (FAQs) (PDF) about declared public health emergencies. 
• FAQs about the Medicare fee-for-service emergency-related policies and procedures that may be implemented only with an 1135 waiver (PDF).
• Provider enrollment FAQs (PDF)
• Guidance about Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) during an emergency or disaster (PDF)
• More details about waivers and flexibilities
• Requesting an 1135 waiver (PDF)

Alaska (2018)

Secretary Azar used his authority in the Public Health Service Act to declare a public health emergency (PHE) in Alaska on December 3, 2018, giving us the flexibility to support our beneficiaries, effective November 30, 2018. 

The PHE expired on February 27, 2019.

• Alaska earthquake 1135 waiver
• Alaska earthquake 1812(f) waiver (PDF)
• Alaska earthquake Medicaid provider enrollment disaster relief waiver

Read the blanket waivers (PDF) for the Alaska earthquake.

You can also see:

• Provider survey and certification frequently asked questions (FAQs) (PDF) about declared public health emergencies 
• FAQs about the Medicare fee-for-service emergency-related policies and procedures that may be implemented without an 1135 waiver (PDF)
• FAQs about the Medicare fee-for-service emergency-related policies and procedures that may be implemented only with an 1135 waiver (PDF)
• Provider enrollment FAQs (PDF)
• Guidance about Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) during an emergency or disaster (PDF)
• More details about waivers and flexibilities