Hurricane Helene Triggers Emergency Medicaid Aid in NC

Health Care Policy Adjustments in North Carolina to Aid Hurricane Helene Recovery

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) is responding to the destruction from Hurricane Helene by making temporary changes to NC Medicaid. These modifications, which allow beneficiaries to refill prescriptions, access necessary medical services, and fast-track nursing home admissions more easily, are available until Oct. 15.

Kody Kinsley, secretary of NCDHHS, expressed the state’s commitment to leverage all available resources to support those affected.

Key Policy Changes Include:

• Prescription refills: Early prescription refills are allowed, including for beneficiaries who have relocated out of state.
• Access to necessary medical services: No prior authorization is needed for necessary drugs, equipment, or supplies during the emergency. Out-of-state NC Medicaid beneficiaries will get reimbursement for necessary services.
• Emergency medical treatment: Hospitals, including psychiatric facilities, are permitted to treat patients requiring emergency care at alternative, if their primary facilities were damaged by the hurricane.
• Nursing home admissions: Medicaid beneficiaries displaced by the hurricane can expedite nursing home admission processes without requiring a Preadmission Screening and Resident Review.
• Continuity of care: Hospitals can provide skilled nursing care for patients who do not need acute care but cannot find a facility.
• Telemedicine access: Hospitals can use telemedicine and temporary spaces to ensure safety and continued care for the needy.

Additional Support for Vulnerable Populations:

• Support for disabled individuals: Disaster plans are being implemented to ensure the safety of children with complex medical needs and adults with disabilities.
• Relaxed long-term care policies: Nursing homes can admit new residents more easily, and long-term care facilities can use extra spaces for patient care. Critical access hospitals may exceed their bed limit and keep patients for over 96 hours when necessary.
• Support for people with intellectual disabilities: Intermediate care facilities can expand available spaces for resident care, family members can provide support services if regular caregivers are unavailable, and Medicaid will cover the restoration of damaged homes or vehicle modifications for those on the Innovations Waiver program.

Additional Support Measures:

• Replacement of medical equipment or medicine: Medicaid Part B covers the replacement of lost or damaged medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and medication without additional documentation or a face-to-face physician’s order.
• Telehealth for nursing facilities: Telemedicine services are available to ensure patients in skilled nursing facilities continue receiving care.

Mental Health and Recovery Resources:

For emotional support, the Disaster Distress Helpline can be reached at 1-800-985-5990, or the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline can be contacted for help in English or Spanish. More information is available at 988Lifeline.org.

For general information, resources, or answers to common queries, visit ncdps.gov/helene or ncdhhs.gov/helene, or email [email protected].