EnglishHHS declares public health emergencies in Florida and Alabama after Hurricane Isaias
HHS announced the emergency determinations on 14 October, following action the previous day. Temporary waivers can support healthcare providers serving Medicare, Medicaid and CHIP beneficiaries. The actions are retroactive to 6 October in Florida and 7 October in Alabama.
HHS announced on 14 October that public health emergencies exist in Florida and Alabama following Hurricane Isaias. The secretary made the determinations the previous day, after presidential emergency declarations for both states on 9 October.
Healthcare flexibilities
The declarations allow temporary waivers and modifications to certain requirements. These measures help CMS support providers and suppliers serving Medicare, Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program beneficiaries in covered emergency areas.
ASPR positioned regional staff before landfall and deployed teams to assess healthcare facilities. It also shared data with states to help identify communities where Medicare beneficiaries rely on electricity-dependent medical equipment or essential healthcare services.
Dates and support
The actions are retroactive to 6 October in Florida and 7 October in Alabama. HHS lists the Disaster Distress Helpline, 1-800-985-5990, as a round-the-clock call or text service for emotional distress related to disasters in the U.S. and its territories.
Original source
HHS announcement, 14 October 2026
AI collage with archival Pensacola photograph by TheCustomOfLife,5 July 2005, released by its author into the public domain. No current storm photograph. Photo source and rights
Sources
- HHS Declares Public Health Emergencies for Florida, Alabama following Hurricane Isaias — U.S. Department of Health and Human Services