Rep. Panetta Reintroduces Bicameral Legislation to Improve Disaster Preparedness for Seniors and People with Disabilities
Monterey, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) introduced the Disaster Relief Medicaid Act to protect the health care of individuals before, during, and after disasters and emergencies. Rep Jill Tokuda (HI-02) co-led the introduction of this legislation in the United States House of Representatives. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) has introduced companion legislation in the United States Senate.
The Disaster Relief Medicaid Act (DRMA) would ensure that people with disabilities and seniors who rely on Medicaid waivers do not lose the life-sustaining support they rely upon after a federally declared disaster or emergency. For individuals forced to relocate to another state due to disaster or emergency, DRMA would protect those residing in an area covered under a presidential disaster declaration as a “Relief-Eligible Survivor” and grant them the support needed to easily access or apply for Medicaid services in their host state.
“As we know well in California’s 19th Congressional District, natural disasters can force families from their homes and even force them to take shelter in other states. Unfortunately, this may cause those in that situation to lose their health care coverage,” said Rep. Jimmy Panetta. “My Disaster Relief Medicaid Act would allow those who relocate to other states during such tough times to still be eligible for Medicaid. Our bicameral legislation would ensure that those who flee to other states during a natural disaster don’t have to choose between their short-term physical safety and long-term health care.”
“As climate-related disasters increase across our Nation, millions of people are being forced to relocate, which is particularly difficult for older adults and people with disabilities,” said Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Aging. “The Disaster Relief Medicaid Act will ensure that no one will be forced to lose access to the essential health care services and benefits they rely on because of a forced emergency relocation.”
“People who’ve been impacted by a significant disaster, such as my constituents in Lāhainā, Maui, must navigate so many challenges to piece their lives back together—maintaining access to health care shouldn’t be one of them,” said Rep. Jill Tokuda. “Those on Medicaid who have to relocate to a different state following a disaster risk losing access to the health care and mental health services they need. I am proud to support this important bill to guarantee that Medicaid services like doctor visits and prescription drugs are not interrupted for those who are forced to evacuate across state lines. It’s the right thing to do for our communities and for people who’ve already suffered so much.”
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