HHS Secretary Azar Declares Public Health Emergency in Alaska Due to Earthquake Damage Following President Trump’s lead in declaring an emergency in Alaska after the Nov. 30 earthquake, Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar today declared a public health emergency in Alaska. The declaration triggers other legal authorities that give the HHS Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services  (CMS) beneficiaries, their healthcare providers and suppliers greater flexibility in meeting emergency health needs in the aftermath of the earthquake. “HHS is working closely with state health authorities and monitoring the needs of healthcare facilities,” Secretary Azar said. “This declaration will help ensure that Americans who were affected by the earthquake and rely on Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program have continuous access to the care as the area recovers.” Read More