Hurricane Helene sparks emergency temporary NC Medicaid adjustments

North Carolina adapts health care policies to support Hurricane Helene recovery

In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is working with state, federal, and local partners to help affected residents access critical health care. Temporary changes to NC Medicaid have been introduced, allowing beneficiaries to more easily refill prescriptions, receive necessary medical services, and be admitted to nursing homes. These flexibilities are available through Oct. 15 and include several key changes.

“This storm has been catastrophic for so many people in our state,” said Kody Kinsley, secretary of NCDHHS. “We are committed to using every tool we have to help people and communities survive and recover.” 

Flexibilities include:

• Prescription refills: Beneficiaries can refill their prescriptions early, even if they have relocated out of state.
• Access to necessary medical services: Providers won’t need prior authorization for medically necessary drugs, equipment, or supplies during the emergency, and those who are covered by NC Medicaid and have relocated out of state will be reimbursed for necessary services.
• Access to emergency medical treatment: Hospitals, including psychiatric hospitals, can treat patients needing emergency care at alternative locations if their main provider facilities were damaged by the hurricane. 
• Nursing home admissions: Medicaid beneficiaries displaced by the hurricane can expedite the process to be admitted to a nursing home, without needing a Preadmission Screening and Resident Review.
• Continuity of care: Hospitals are allowed to provide skilled nursing care for patients who no longer need acute care, but are unable to find placement in a facility.
• Telemedicine access: Hospitals can use telemedicine and temporary spaces to maintain safety and continued care for those in need.

Special support for vulnerable populations:

• Children and adults with disabilities: Case managers are implementing disaster plans to ensure the safety of children with complex medical needs and adults with disabilities.
• Long-term care flexibilities: Nursing homes can admit new residents more easily, and long-term care facilities are permitted to use additional spaces for patient care. Critical access hospitals can exceed their bed limit and keep patients longer than 96 hours when necessary.
• Support for intellectual disabilities: Intermediate care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities can expand their available spaces, such as activity rooms, for resident care. Additionally, family members may step in to provide support services when regular caregivers are unavailable due to the emergency. Medicaid will cover the replacement or repair of damaged homes or vehicle modifications for those using the Innovations Waiver program.

Additional support:

• Replacement of medical equipment or medicine: Lost or damaged medical equipment, prosthetics, and orthotics can be replaced without additional documentation. Medications lost or damaged due to the storm, and covered by Medicaid Part B, can be refilled without a face-to-face physician’s order.
• Telehealth for nursing facilities: Telemedicine services are available to ensure patients in skilled nursing facilities continue receiving care.

Mental health and recovery resources:

Those affected emotionally by the storm can call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990, or reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for help in English or Spanish by phone or text. Learn more at 988Lifeline.org.

If you would like general information, access to resources, or answers to frequently asked questions, visit ncdps.gov/helene, ncdhhs.gov/helene, or email [email protected].