Federal public health emergency declared for Guam, CNMI

By Pacific Island Times News Staff

U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. has declared a public health emergency for Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, unlocking federal support and allowing flexibility in implementing medical programs as they recover from Typhoon Bavi.

“This public health emergency declaration is an important step in helping Guam protect access to care while our island continues to recover,” said Theresa C. Arriola, Guam's health director.

The declaration follows the emergency declaration issued by President Donald J. Trump and allows the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to provide additional emergency flexibilities for health care providers and suppliers serving Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries during recovery efforts.

The declaration provides CMS leeway to make temporary changes to certain Medicare, Medicaid and CHIP rules and allow health care providers can continue caring for patients during the emergency.

Officials said these changes can help reduce delays, remove paperwork barriers, and make it easier for providers to maintain service availability.

The emergency waivers already in place after Typhoon Sinlaku remain in effect while DPHSS works with CMS to confirm any additional support available under the new Typhoon Bavi declaration.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, through the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response, has deployed health and emergency response personnel to Guam to support territorial response efforts.

ADVERTISEMENT

Resources currently supporting the response include:

• A Health and Medical Situational Assessment Team

• Two National Disaster Medical System Health and Medical Task Forces

• An Incident Management Team

 "Our priority is to ensure that residents continue receiving the care and support they need," Arriola said. "We are grateful for the continued coordination with our federal partners and remain committed to using every available tool to support Guam’s health care system and the people we serve."

The HHS emPOWER Program is also available to assist emergency managers by identifying Medicare beneficiaries who rely on electricity-dependent medical equipment and other critical health care services. This information helps prioritize outreach and support for residents who may be most vulnerable during disaster response and recovery.

Subscribe to

our digital

monthly issue