Policy & oversight
CMS Activates Medicare Waivers for Hurricane Isaias Zones in Florida and Alabama
Medicare beneficiaries in covered emergency counties can replace lost prescriptions and medical equipment under relaxed rules, and Medicare Advantage members can seek care outside their plan network at in-network cost, after CMS activated Section 1135 waivers this week.
By the Goodsurance editorial teamOctober 16, 2026
Following Hurricane Isaias, HHS Secretary Kennedy declared public health emergencies in Florida, retroactive to October 6, 2026, and in Alabama, retroactive to October 7, 2026. On October 13 the secretary signed Section 1135 waivers under the Social Security Act, authorizing CMS to temporarily modify or lift certain Medicare and Medicaid requirements in the covered areas. CMS published a Medicare-specific news alert on October 15, 2026, with the waivers carrying retroactive effect to each state's emergency start date.
For Original Medicare beneficiaries in counties covered by the presidential disaster declaration, two of the most direct changes involve prescriptions and equipment. Beneficiaries whose covered Part D or Part B drugs were lost or made unusable by storm damage can receive replacement fills up to the originally dispensed quantity, outside the usual refill-timing restrictions. Beneficiaries who lost durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, or supplies because of the storm may receive replacements under relaxed documentation requirements, without the standard pre-claim reviews that otherwise apply.
Lost Medicare-covered drugs or equipment to Hurricane Isaias? Federal emergency waivers in Florida and Alabama may let you get replacements faster and with less paperwork.
Medicare Advantage members who cannot reach in-network providers during the emergency may receive covered services from out-of-network providers at in-network cost-sharing rates for the duration of the public health emergency. CMS also suspended certain prior-authorization requirements and face-to-face encounter timelines within the emergency zones.
Providers licensed in other states may treat Medicare patients in the declared areas without obtaining Florida or Alabama licenses during the emergency period. CMS stated the changes are intended to help health care providers maintain essential services and ensure beneficiaries can continue accessing necessary care through the recovery. The waivers stay in effect for the duration of the public health emergency and apply only in counties covered by the presidential disaster declarations.
In plain words
Hurricane Isaias hit Florida and Alabama. The federal government declared health emergencies in both states. That turned on some special temporary Medicare rules.
If the storm ruined or washed away your Medicare-covered medicines, you can get replacement fills earlier than usual. If you lost medical equipment, like a wheelchair or oxygen machine, you may be able to get a replacement with less paperwork than normal. If you are in a Medicare Advantage plan and your usual doctor is not available because of the hurricane, your plan must cover care from other providers at the same cost as your regular network.
These rules only apply in the counties listed in the disaster declaration. They stay in place as long as the emergency is officially active. If you are not sure what you qualify for, contact your plan or call the Medicare helpline.
Understand the basics first
Source: HHS
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