WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman David Schweikert (AZ-06) led a bipartisan letter with the Arizona delegation to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to review their Extreme ad Uncontrollable Circumstances policy. Currently, CMS policy does not acknowledge the impact of all disaster types on beneficiaries and health plan operational and clinical systems, including the long-term impacts of wildfires that have taken place across Arizona.
“We must work to ensure every Arizonan has the option to be protected against a natural disaster, including the recent wildfires sweeping across the West,” said Congressman Schweikert. “By submitting this letter, we are asking that CMS make adjustments to their current policy, and acknowledge the impact that all forms of disasters have on beneficiaries in order to improve access to high quality care for those living in disaster prone areas. I am pleased to lead this letter with my Arizona colleagues and look forward to continuing to work together to support everyone impacted by the wildfires in our state.”
Background:
This bipartisan letter asks CMS to review their “Extreme and Uncontrollable Circumstances” policy to:
- Expand the eligibility of disaster designations; and
- Grandfather in relief across applicable years.
Expanding the thresholds used to provide Star Rating relief would improve access to high quality care and support services to beneficiaries living in areas impacted by public health emergencies and natural disasters.
To read the full letter, click HERE.
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