CMS Announces Flexibilities in Response to California Wildfires
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced flexibilities in response to ongoing wildfires that began last week in Southern California.
In a Jan. 10 news alert, CMS said state of California waivers are available for affected providers. Medicare beneficiaries who have lost their durable medical equipment (DME) or whose DME has been damaged due to the wildfires can receive replacements of items and services. Impacted beneficiaries should call the (800) MEDICARE number for help.
President Joe Biden declared on Jan. 8 that an emergency existed in California starting on Jan. 7. On Jan. 10, Department of Health & Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra declared that a California public health emergency began on Jan. 7. Waivers and modifications are effective Jan. 12, but have retroactive effect to Jan. 7.
Abilities Expo 2025 Kicks Off with March Event in Los Angeles
The first 2025 Abilities Expo is scheduled for Friday through Sunday, March 7-9, at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
The consumer- and family-focused events feature an expo hall highlighting assistive technology manufacturers, service providers, advocacy organizations, sports and recreation programs, and community resources, including emergency preparedness. Throughout the weekends, the Abilities Expos also feature educational workshops and demonstrations of adaptive/wheelchair sports, dancing, and service animal sessions.
Abilities Expos are free to attend, but registration is required. The Los Angeles event’s hours are 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on March 7-8, and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on March 9.
