Medicare Enrollees Near Spokane Get Emergency Protections as Washington Wildfires Continue

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. declared a public health emergency for Washington state in early August 2026 as the Fairview, Autumn Lane, and Old Trails fires spread near Spokane County beginning August 1. CMS responded by announcing emergency flexibilities for people enrolled in Medicare in the affected areas.

People with Medicare who lost or had durable medical equipment damaged by the fires, including wheelchairs, oxygen equipment, and prosthetics, may receive replacements without the standard documentation barriers. Part D drug plan enrollees who have been displaced and cannot reasonably reach a network pharmacy are entitled to use out-of-network pharmacies for covered prescriptions while the public health emergency remains in effect, with plans required to ensure that access.

Healthcare providers in the affected area may request additional flexibility from CMS under the Section 1135 waiver process, which can relax certain documentation and billing requirements to keep care flowing during the emergency period.

Beneficiaries who were unable to make Medicare plan changes because of the disaster may qualify for a special enrollment period of up to four calendar months from the incident start date, allowing them to join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan outside of the usual windows.

CMS said it is working closely with Washington state and federal partners to coordinate resources and waivers. People with Medicare who need assistance can contact the Medicare helpline at 1-800-633-4227.