The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) renewed a federal Public Health Emergency (PHE) as a result of continued consequences of severe storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides for the state of Hawaii. The PHE was initially effective March 10, 2026, and was renewed effective September 6, 2026, for 90 days. The declaration, issued under Section 319 of the Public Health Service Act, enables the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to implement temporary waivers and flexibilities to support beneficiaries, providers, and suppliers affected by the disaster.

CMS has made these waivers and flexibilities available to ensure continued access to healthcare services throughout the emergency. During the PHE, CMS authorized waivers under Section 1812(f) of the Social Security Act for providers, suppliers and Medicare beneficiaries who were evacuated, transferred, displaced, or otherwise impacted by the storms.

Modifier CR needs to be appended when submitting claims utilizing applicable disaster-related waivers. For Part A claims, include condition code DR must be included.

For more information on emergency declarations and available Medicare flexibilities, visit the CMS Current Emergencies webpage.