Columns
Monday, June 30, 2008
common sense on vital medical services available for flood victims
By Senator Tom Harkin
As our state begins the long recovery process from the recent floods and tornadoes, I want to assure Iowans that I will do everything possible to make sure that they have their basic needs met, and that starts with health care. One challenge that many Iowans are facing is the loss of their prescription drugs and other medical necessities.
I have used my position as Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee that funds the Department of Health and Human Services, (HHS) to see to it that Iowans have their health care needs taken care of. Along with other members of the Iowa delegation, I contacted HHS Secretary Michael Leavitt when the tornadoes and storms hit to find out how he was going to help affected Iowans. Upon our request, Secretary Leavitt declared Iowa’s affected areas a public health emergency which put in motion numerous flood relief measures including ensuring that Iowans especially our elderly who require daily medications – are cared for.
Iowans who were not able to salvage their Medicare prescription medications after the tornadoes and floods hit their communities can refill their drugs immediately – even if enough time hasn’t elapsed between prescription pickups. Medicare Part C and D beneficiaries in presidential disaster declared counties (which are 78 of our 99 counties at this point) simply need to call their health care plan and tell them their situation.
Iowa health care professionals – some of the best in our country – are also eligible for flood relief. Waivers are set in motion to ensure that the dedication of these doctors, nurses and administrators should not be limited by federal rules during this dire state of need. Among other things, we waived a regulation so that critical care hospitals could expand their reach to residents by bringing in more beds and keeping patients for as long as necessary. We also vowed to help patients replace walkers, wheelchairs or other medical equipment that may have been damaged or lost in the wreckage.
Whether it is Iowa residents or medical personnel, our office is here to help. Anyone needing advice or answers to questions should call my Cedar Rapids office to find out what programs and benefits flood victims can qualify for. Please contact my Regional Director, Beth Freeman at (319) 365-4504.
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