HHS Declares Public Health Emergencies in Florida and Alabama Following Hurricane Isaias

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. has declared public health emergencies in Florida and Alabama as a result of Hurricane Isaias. These declarations, which are retroactive to October 6, 2026, for Florida and October 7, 2026, for Alabama, enable HHS to authorize temporary waivers and modifications of certain requirements for CMS providers, suppliers, and beneficiaries.