HHS Secretary Declares Public Health Emergency for Louisiana Following Hurricane Ike’s Landfall

HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt today declared a public health emergency to ensure that individuals, including those enrolled in Medicare, Medicaid and the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) in Louisiana, continue to receive their health care items and services. The declaration follows one made on Thursday to cover Texas.

“Louisiana has felt the impact of Hurricane Gustav and now Hurricane Ike in quick succession. Today’s actions will help our beneficiaries and providers, as well as some of the area’s most vulnerable patients, in communities where hospitals and other health care delivery systems are affected,” said Secretary Leavitt. “These steps will allow beneficiaries to continue to receive their health care services.” Read more.