HHS Secretary Azar declares public health emergency in Georgia due to Hurricane Michael Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar today declared a public health emergency in Georgia due to damage from Hurricane Michael. The declaration follows President Trump’s emergency declaration for the state and gives the HHS Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services beneficiaries and their healthcare providers and suppliers greater flexibility in meeting emergency health needs. “We are working closely with state health authorities and private sector partners from hospitals and other healthcare facilities to save lives and protect public health after Hurricane Michael,” Secretary Azar said. “This declaration will help ensure that our fellow Americans who rely on Medicare and Medicaid have continuous access to the care they need.”   Read More