Health and Human Services Activities and Resources
This web page provides information on HHS activities to aid survivors of Hurricane Katrina and information on health and safety during a disaster. The web page also provides information on the activities of other key federal and state government agencies and links to agency websites.

Health and Human Services Waiver under Section 1135 of the Social Security Act
This web page contains the Health and Human Services (HHS) waiver under Section 1135 of the Social Security Act allowing the Secretary of Health and Human Services to waive or modify certain Medicare, Medicaid, or State Children’s Health Insurance Program requirements in order to protect the public health and welfare in times of national crisis. Many of the programs’ normal operating procedures will be relaxed to speed provision of health care services to the elderly, children and persons with disabilities who depend upon them. Because of hurricane damage to local health care facilities, many beneficiaries have been evacuated to neighboring states where receiving hospitals and nursing homes have no health care records, information on current health status or even verification of the person’s status as a Medicare or Medicaid beneficiary. CMS is assuring those facilities that in this circumstance the normal burden of documentation will be waived and that the presumption of eligibility should be made. Federal Medicaid officials are also working closely with state Medicaid agencies to coordinate resolution of interstate payment agreements for recipients who are served outside their home states.

HHS Hurricane Katrina Bulletin: HIPAA Privacy and Disclosures in Emergency Situations
This web page contains the recent U.S. Department of Health and Human Service’s (HHS) Hurricane Katrina bulletin on Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (“HIPAA”) privacy and disclosures in emergency situations. People who are displaced and in need of health care as a result of a severe disaster such as Hurricane Katrina, need ready access to health care and the means of contacting family and caregivers. This bulletin emphasizes how the HIPAA Privacy Rule allows patient information to be shared to assist in disaster relief efforts, and to assist patients in receiving the care they need.

Hurricane Katrina Information from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid
This Center for Medicare and Medicaid website provides information on the Center’s actions to help beneficiaries of Medicare, Medicaid and State Children’s Health Insurance Programs. The website also provides information on the actions of many other government agencies to provide emergency services to survivors of Hurricane Katrina.

Social Security Information for People Affected by Hurricane Katrina
This web page provides information on how Social Security beneficiaries affected by Hurricane Katrina may receive their monthly payments. The United States Postal Service (USPS) has suspended mail service in some areas damaged by Hurricane Katrina. USPS is establishing temporary mail delivery stations so that beneficiaries may pick up their Social Security check. To help prevent identity fraud, USPS will ask beneficiaries for a photo ID. Beneficiaries who are not able to go to a temporary mail delivery station, may go to any open Social Security office and request an immediate payment.