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How Can You Get Reimbursed for Lost/Destroyed Equipment After a Disaster

Published in Government Relations on October 17, 2022

With Hurricane Ian recently hitting the Southeast United States, many providers are left with the same question. Can they be reimbursed for lost/destroyed equipment after the disaster?

Emily Harken, Director, VGM Government Relations, recently answered this question in HME News. The full Smart Talk article can be read here.

Government assistance is available if/when the White House declares a national disaster. Section 1135 authorizes the secretary of Health and Human Services to waive or modify certain Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, and HIPAA requirements during a national disaster with these two pre-requisites: the president must declare an emergency/disaster under the National Emergency Act; and the secretary must declare a public health emergency under the Public Service Act. 

The Emergency Preparedness for HME Suppliers Committee consists of state association leaders across the country, as well as VGM and AAHomecare members. Other post-disaster resources and checklists are available on the committee’s website.

The full Smart Talk article can be read here.

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