HHS Secretary Azar Declares Public Health Emergency in California Due to Wildfires

Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar on Thursday declared a public health emergency in California due to the wildfires, reports the Los Angeles Sentinel . The declaration, which follows President Trump's emergency declaration for the state, gives the HHS Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services beneficiaries and their healthcare providers and suppliers greater flexibility in meeting emergency health needs created by the blazes. "We are working closely with state health authorities and monitoring the needs of healthcare facilities to provide whatever they may need to save lives and protect health," Azar remarked. "This declaration will help ensure that Americans who are threatened by these dangerous wildfires and who rely on Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children's Health Insurance Program have continuous access to the care they need." As of press time, the wildfires had forced the evacuation of at least two hospitals and eight other healthcare facilities. Separately, a smoke advisory has been issued for portions of Los Angeles County. Smoke can present a serious health risk for people with lung conditions such as asthma.