Emergency Preparedness and Response Information and Resources
Guidance for DMEPOS during emergency and disaster situations.
Issued by: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Issue Date: February 11, 2020
One of the CAO’s missions is to ensure that the population dependent on DMEPOS has the tools and resources necessary to access supplies and equipment in the most efficient manner at all times. In order to fulfill this mission, the CAO has provided available resources for Medicare beneficiaries who depend on DMEPOS for actionable steps to take during emergency or disaster situations.
This page is for suppliers, beneficiaries, caregivers, referral agents and other individuals who may need guidance or additional information during an emergency or disaster.
On this page:
- Prepare for an Emergency or Disaster
- Know If Your Area is a Disaster or Emergency Area
- Replacing Lost or Damaged Durable Medical Equipment or Supplies in a Disaster or Emergency
- Contacting Your Equipment Supplier
- Receiving Care During an Emergency or Disaster
Prepare for an Emergency or Disaster
Be Responsible and Be Prepared! By being prepared and staying informed, you can prevent or reduce harm to yourself, your family members and loved ones, or persons for whom you advocate.
Know If Your Area is a Disaster or Emergency Area
If you live in an area that's been declared an emergency or disaster, the usual rules for your medical care may change for a short time. Affected areas are ones where either:
The President has declared it an emergency or disaster. Visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) website, or call 1-800-621-FEMA (1-800-621-3362) to see if your area is affected. TTY users should call 1-800-462-7585.
A governor has declared it an emergency or disaster. Visit your state government's official website to find out if your area is affected.
The Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has declared a public health emergency. Visit the HHS Public Health Emergency website, or call 1-800-MEDICARE to find out if your area is affected.
Replacing Lost or Damaged Durable Medical Equipment or Supplies in a Disaster or Emergency
Original Medicare
If Original Medicare already paid for durable medical equipment (DME) (like a wheelchair or walker) or supplies (like diabetic supplies) damaged or lost due to an emergency or disaster:
In certain cases, Medicare will cover the cost to repair or replace your equipment or supplies
Generally, Medicare will also cover the cost of rentals for items (such as wheelchairs) during the time your equipment is being repaired.
Medicare Advantage Plan or other Medicare Health Plan
Contact your plan directly to find out how it replaces DME or supplies damaged or lost in an emergency or disaster. You can get your plan’s contact information by calling 1-800-MEDICARE.
Contacting Your Equipment Supplier
This tool lists suppliers of the following medical equipment and supplies:
- Durable Medical Equipment
- Prostheses & Prosthetic Devices
- Orthotics
- Supplies
Receiving Care During an Emergency or Disaster
Original Medicare
If you have Original Medicare and want more information about getting care from doctors or other providers during an emergency or disaster, call 1-800-MEDICARE.
Medicare Advantage Plan or other Medicare health plan
If you are in a Medicare Advantage Plan or other Medicare health plan, contact your plan to get more information about getting care from doctors or other providers during an emergency or disaster. You can get your plan’s contact information by calling 1-800-MEDICARE.
Medicare Prescription Drug Plan
If you have a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan and want more information on getting prescription drugs during an emergency or disaster, contact your plan, or call 1-800-MEDICARE.
HHS is committed to making its websites and documents accessible to the widest possible audience, including individuals with disabilities. We are in the process of retroactively making some documents accessible. If you need assistance accessing an accessible version of this document, please reach out to the guidance@hhs.gov.
DISCLAIMER: The contents of this database lack the force and effect of law, except as authorized by law (including Medicare Advantage Rate Announcements and Advance Notices) or as specifically incorporated into a contract. The Department may not cite, use, or rely on any guidance that is not posted on the guidance repository, except to establish historical facts.