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Union County Freeholder Chairman Granados Announces “Moving Union County Forward” Initiatives During 162nd Annual Reorganization

Sheriff Corvelli sworn into first term, Freeholder Garretson sworn into first term; Freeholders Estrada and Hudak Begin New Terms

UNION COUNTY COURTHOUSE, ELIZABETH, NJ-–Freeholder Sergio Granados has been selected as Chairman of the Board and announced a series of initiatives for 2018, entitled “Moving Union County Forward,” assisting families, youth, seniors, Veterans, those with special needs, and embracing progressive and inclusive ideals.

Included in these initiatives are the state’s first-ever Office of LGTBQ, Office for People with Special Needs, and the Level the Playing Field grant program—yet another example of a “first”—as Union County will become the first County in the state, and perhaps nation—to have every municipality create an inclusive playground.

Granados, a lifelong resident of Elizabeth who is the youngest Democratic Freeholder ever elected in the State of New Jersey, announced his initiatives at the 162nd annual reorganization meeting held in the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth on Sunday.

Sheriff Peter Corvelli, of Kenilworth, was sworn into his first term, and Freeholder Angela Garretson, of Hillside, was sworn into her first term. Freeholders Christopher Hudak and Angel Estrada were sworn into new terms. Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski was appointed as Freeholder Vice Chairwoman. Freeholders also voted to fill numerous positions on County advisory boards and to adopt the Board’s 2018 schedule and procedural rules.

As his “Moving Union County Forward” initiatives for 2018, Granados announced a new series of programs—including a number of first-time programs never done before throughout the state—championing advocacy and equality,  outreach and volunteerism, public safety, the environment and education.    (See www.ucnj.org/freeholders)

Most of these initiatives are at little or no additional cost, or use existing funding.

“We will be setting many ‘firsts’ this year, with innovative programs that will put Union County at forefront of the progressive movement in the State of New Jersey,” Granados said in his announcement. “Growing up I learned: You must empower yourself through hard work and effort; you must work on ways to help others empower themselves; and always give back to your community. Success is meaningless without helping others.”

The following is a summary below of “Moving Union County Forward” initiatives:

  • UNION COUNTY HEART–stands for Helping, Empowering, Advocating for, Reaching and Teaching others.
    • At the core of the UC HEART initiative, is the creation of the Office of Community Engagement and Diversity. The goal of the office will be to promote volunteerism and outreach. The office’s coordinator will work with other agencies to identify volunteer opportunities, coordinate events, and create a network of volunteer organizations to build relationships with the County’s different communities. 
    • Partnering with the Union County Economic Development Corporation (UCEDC) to reinvest and create more jobs in Union County’s diverse communities. The UCEDC will receive a $250,000 grant to conduct outreach efforts in these areas and will provide at least half a million dollars in low interest loan capital to small businesses. 
    • The creation of the state’s first-ever LGBTQ Office. This office will advocate for our LGBTQ residents in working to provide the services they need and deserve. “This Freeholder Board has a proud record of honoring Union County’s diversity,” said Granados.
    • The creation of the state’s first-ever, Office for People with Special Needs. This Office will provide recreational and social opportunities for those with special needs, “as all residents deserve an equal chance,” Granados said. As part of this effort, the Sheriff’s Office will also revitalize and expand the Project Lifesaver program which provides tracking bracelets for those with special needs and those with Alzheimer’s. The County will also open a new Sensory-Friendly Trail at the Watchung Reservation in Mountainside—the County’s first such facility. And as the final part of this effort, the County will administer the Level the Playing Field grant program—yet another example of a “first”—as Union County will become the first County in the state, and perhaps nation—to have every municipality create an inclusive playground. This effort, which is funded through Union County’s Open Space program, will assist our towns in creating, enhancing, or replacing recreational facilities to make them inclusive for all wishing to use them.
    • The continuation of UC HERO, which has helped so many Veterans. This year will bring new job fairs, and the exploration of ways to diminish the PTSD epidemic. As a whole, the County Freeholder Board will continue to expand on the successful job fairs and employment training it has sponsored for all residents through the Union County Workforce Development Board.
    • Creation of the Union County Science, Technology, Engineering and Math grant program (known as UC STEM).  Under this program, funding will be available for STEM-related enrichment in our elementary and middle schools.  
  • UNION COUNTY PLANT A SEED, which involves educational and environmental components:
    • The continuation and expansion of the UC Kids Dig In! Garden grants program, which offers grants to schools that engage young students in community gardening and donating produce to local shelters and pantries.
    • Continuing on Freeholder Bruce Bergen’s idea, the County will continue to investigate the feasibility of constructing a Countywide Animal Shelter.
    • New state funded Union County recycling initiatives with programs that encourage recycling amongst our municipal partners and will provide recycling supplies for schools and seniors. The recycling programs will be funded through state recycling grants.
  • PARKS INITIATIVES:
    • The building of numerous turf fields in Plainfield, Summit, Scotch Plains and Rahway;
    • A skate park at Mattano Park in Elizabeth;
    • A spray park at Wheeler Park in Linden;
    • A new golf clubhouse at the Ashbrook Golf Course in Scotch Plains;
    • Tutoring and mentoring programs at the Warinanco Park Sports Center in Roselle;
  • PUBLIC SAFETY INITIATIVES:
    • The County will partner with Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in NJ, and offer a gun buyback program through the County Police, Prosecutor’s Office, and Sheriff’s Office.
    • The County Police will partner with local police departments to provide additional public safety services for our school districts.
    • The expansion of prisoner re-entry programs that give a second chance for those who seek it: The Department of Corrections will be providing special assistance easing their re-entry into society; and the Department of Human Services will be providing support services after their release, aimed at reducing recidivism.

Granados closed off his initiatives with a call for continued fiscal responsibility, announcing the Freeholder Board will work with the County Manager to examine cost savings through the creation of a Fiscal Efficiency Taskforce.

Granados concluded his speech by emphasizing the importance of teamwork and unity in achieving all goals:

“We have announced many ‘firsts’ today. This all speaks to the vision of this Freeholder Board moving Union County forward in a progressive manner. We are connected…we are inclusive…we are united. And we will work to support one another. I look forward to ‘Moving Union County Forward’ with all of you. Thank you.”

Union County Freeholder Sergio Granados is sworn as the 2018 Chairman of the Freeholder Board by the Honorable Judge Carl Marshall, J.M.C. during Union County Government’s 162nd Annual Reorganization on January 7, 2018 at the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth. Holding the Bible for Chairman Granados is his nephew Amir Abuhamoud. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski is sworn in as the 2018 Vice Chairman of the Freeholder Board by Senator Nicholas P. Scutari during Union County Government’s 162nd Annual Reorganization on January 7, 2018 at the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth. Holding the Bible for Vice Chairman Kowalski is her husband, Andy Lanset and County Manager Alfred J. Faella. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County Sheriff Peter Corvelli is sworn into office by Senator-Elect Joseph P. Cryan during Union County Government’s 162nd Annual Reorganization on January 7, 2018 at the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth. Holding the Bible for Sheriff Corvelli are his daughters Alyssa and Rylee, and his wife Kelly. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County Freeholder Angel G. Estrada is sworn into office by Jorge A. Estrada, Esq during Union County Government’s 162nd Annual Reorganization on January 7, 2018 at the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth. Holding the Bible for Freeholder Estrada are his two grandchildren, Keith and Alexandra. They are joined by his wife Teresa Estrada, his daughter Lilian Duryee and son-in-law Christopher Duryee, his son Daniel and daughter-in-law Magda Noga Estrada. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County Freeholder Angela Garretson is sworn into office by New Jersey Governor-Elect Philip Murphy during Union County Government’s 162nd Annual Reorganization on January 7, 2018 at the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth. Holding the Bible for Freeholder Garretson is her mother, Lorraine Garretson. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County Freeholder Christopher Hudak is sworn into office by the Honorable Judge John Hudak, J.S.C., during Union County Government’s 162nd Annual Reorganization on January 7, 2018 at the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth. Holding the Bible for Freeholder Hudak are his wife Terri, their daughter Catherine Riley and son Jackson, and his mother-in-law Kathleen Riley. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

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Utility Contact Information and Warming Center Locations

All County Operations and Services have resumed normal operations.

Warming Center Information

Due to the freezing weather, the Union County Freeholder Board is announcing that the County of Union, through the efforts of the Department of Human Services, Sheriff’s Office and County Police, will be opening up warming centers in the lobbies at the following locations:

  • The Union County Division of Social Services in Elizabeth: 342 Westminster Avenue, Elizabeth, NJ 07208
  • The Union County Division of Social Services Building in Plainfield (Park-Madison Building): 200 West Second Street, Plainfield, NJ 07063

The Centers will be open beginning Thursday, January 4th from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. Friday Morning;

  • Friday, January 5th, from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. Saturday morning.
  • Saturday, January 6th, from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. Sunday morning.
  • Sunday, January 7th, from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. Monday morning.

Local Utility Information

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Electric

PSE&G
1-800-436-7734
Outages: Report Map

Jersey Central Power & Light
1-800-662-3115
Outages: Report Map

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Gas

Elizabethtown Gas
1-800-242-5830 Website

PSE&G
1-800-436-7734 Website
Report gas leak 1-800-436-7734

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Water

New Jersey American Water
1-800-272-1325 Website
 
United Water – Rahway
1-877-303-2435 Website
Emergancies 1-877-303-2435
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Cable / Phone

Cablevision
1-866-575-8000 Website

Comcast
1-800-266-2278 Website

Verizon FiOS
1-888-438-3467 Website

Verizon
1-800-827-4966 Website

Time Warner
201-886-0900 Website

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Union County Government hosts 162nd Annual Reorganization on Sunday, January 7th, 2018

Union County Government will hold its annual reorganization at the County Courthouse on Sunday, Jan. 7th, which begins at 12 p.m.

Freeholder Vice Chairman Sergio Granados, a resident of Elizabeth, is expected to become Chairman of the Board, and Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, a resident of Cranford, is expected to be Vice Chairwoman. Those scheduled to be sworn into new terms include: Freeholders Angel Estrada of Elizabeth, and Christopher Hudak of Linden.  Angela Garretson, of Hillside, will be sworn into her first term as Freeholder.  

Freeholders will also vote to fill numerous positions on county advisory boards and to adopt the board’s 2018 schedule and more.

TIME: Sunday, January 7th, 12 p.m.
PLACE: UNION COUNTY COURTHOUSE,
2 BROAD STREET
JUDGE CASSIDY’S CHAMBERS
ELIZABETH, NJ
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Where to Find Information on Property Tax Deductions

Union County property owners with questions about prepaying their property taxes are advised that the Internal Revenue Service has posted official guidance on property tax deductions.

The notice was posted on December 27. It reads in part:

The Internal Revenue Service advised tax professionals and taxpayers today that pre-paying 2018 state and local real property taxes in 2017 may be tax deductible under certain circumstances.

The IRS has received a number of questions from the tax community concerning the deductibility of prepaid real property taxes. In general, whether a taxpayer is allowed a deduction for the prepayment of state or local real property taxes in 2017 depends on whether the taxpayer makes the payment in 2017 and the real property taxes are assessed prior to 2018.  A prepayment of anticipated real property taxes that have not been assessed prior to 2018 are not deductible in 2017.  State or local law determines whether and when a property tax is assessed, which is generally when the taxpayer becomes liable for the property tax imposed.

The full notice is available at irs.gov/newsroom.

For information about their property tax assessments and guidance on prepayments, property owners in Union County can contact the municipality in which the property is located.

The following Union County municipal websites have posted information related property tax deductions:

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Freeholder Board urges residents to prepare for upcoming extreme cold weather

Expect bitterly cold temperatures and wind chills through the week

When outdoors, be sure to wear dry, warm clothing and cover exposed skin. Check on your neighbors, friends, and relatives, especially the elderly and those with disabilities. People most likely to be exposed to dangerous cold include those who lack shelter, work outdoors and/or live in homes with malfunctioning or inadequate heat. Seniors, infants, people with chronic cardiovascular or lung conditions, those using alcohol or drugs, and people with cognitive impairments (like dementia, serious mental illness or developmental disability) are at increased risk.

Health problems resulting from prolonged exposure to cold include hypothermia, frostbite, and exacerbation of chronic heart and lung conditions. If you suspect a person is suffering from frostbite or hypothermia, call 9-1-1 to get medical help.

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Art and Essay Contest Winners on display at Trailside

The “Species on the Edge Art and Essay Contest,” sponsored by the Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey for 5th graders, announced a winner from each county in the state.  Students create artwork and write essays about NJ’s rare wildlife.    The charming art work and essays currently on display at Trailside Nature and Science Center represent a variety of threatened and endangered species.  The art work not only captivates the viewer, but raises awareness of the diversity and beauty of these diminishing species in our state. The Humpback Whale, Short-eared Owl, Bobcat, Long-tailed Salamander, Piping Plover, Atlantic Hawksbill Turtle and many others are creatively depicted.  “This delightful exhibit educates young people and adults about the many animals in peril living in our state,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen.    

Each accompanying essay tells the story of a different endangered species.   The winner in Union County, Olivia Wang of Thomas P. Hughes Elementary School in Berkeley Heights, depicts the Northern Harrier.  Her essay, told from the perspective of a male harrier, expresses the bird’s delight in the beauty of his young with a plea for human care and awareness.  She concludes, “Every person makes a difference”.  The exhibit, now on display, is in itself is one step towards making a difference.

For more information about this exhibit or activities at Trailside, please call 908-789-3670 or visit www.ucnj.org/trailside.    Trailside Nature and Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside and is a facility of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation.

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Union County Freeholder Board Honors Chairman Bruce H. Bergen

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, County Manager Alfred Faella and County Council Robert Barry thank Chairman Bruce H. Bergen for an outstanding year at the helm of County Government with a plaque in honor of his “Connecting our Community” initiatives for 2017. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

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Union County Freeholder Board Pays Tribute to Freeholder Vernell Wright

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and County Manager Alfred Faella present Freeholder Vernell Wright with a resolution in recognition of her dedication, commitment and countless hours given to Union County residents. Freeholder Wright is leaving the Board this year after serving two distinguished terms in office. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

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United Way of Greater Union County Delivers “Season of Caring” Drive Gifts

Union County Freeholder Vice Chairman Sergio Granados and Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski joined Elizabeth Mayor Christian J. Bollwage, United Way of Greater Union County (UWGUC) President and CEO James W. Horne and representatives from Santander Bank at UWGUC’s Season of Caring Drive in Elizabeth. They handed out gifts to children who attend PROCEED, Inc., a non-profit organization that provides support services to children and families in need. Every year, UWGUC partners with individuals, local businesses and companies to help fulfill the wishes of children who would not otherwise receive a gift. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

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FEMA Assistance for Hurricane Evacuees from Puerto Rico

Hurricane Evacuees from Puerto Rico who have not yet registered with FEMA for disaster assistance can still obtain assistance.  It is imperative that survivors register with FEMA in order to be eligible for disaster relief services. Those impacted by Hurricane Maria or Irma should call 800-621-3362 and register with FEMA.  You can also visit www.disasterassistance.gov  to register for assistance.  

 

Help After a Disaster

FEMA Individual Assistance Can Help You Recover

Information from FEMA’s Tri-Fold Brochure as of September 2017

What you should know before you apply.

Insurance: If you have insurance, you do not have to fle an insurance claim before applying for FEMA assistance. You are encouraged to contact your insurance company as soon as possible to start your insurance claim process. When you receive your insurance settlement, please call FEMA at 800-621-3362 to discuss your assistance options.

Inspections: If an inspection is required, a FEMA inspector will contact you to schedule an appointment to assess your property damage. If you cannot be present, another household member over the age of eighteen may meet with the inspector. Inspectors will have FEMA photo identification and are trained to identify damage caused by disasters. Inspectors will not physically access certain areas of your home, such as crawlspaces, attics, and roofs. Inspectors do not decide if you receive FEMA assistance.

Duplication of Benefits: It is important to provide accurate insurance information to avoid a duplication of FEMA assistance. By law, FEMA cannot give assistance for losses addressed by insurance coverage or other sources. If you receive FEMA assistance and have insurance that covers the same loss, you will be required to return the FEMA Assistance.

Financial Assistance Limit: Financial assistance is limited to an annually adjusted amount based on the Consumer Price Index. The financial assistance limit may be reached with a combination of Housing Assistance and Other Needs Assistance grant awards.

Flood insurance and Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA): If your home is located an SFHA, you are required to purchase and maintain flood insurance on your property as a condition of receiving FEMA disaster assistance. Failure to obtain and maintain flood insurance may affect your eligibility for future FEMA assistance.

Duration of Assistance: Assistance is provided for up to eighteen months from the disaster declaration, but may be extended if approved by the State, Tribe, or Territory, and FEMA

How can FEMA help you?

Assistance from FEMA may help you and members of your household who are affected by a disaster take care of necessary expenses and serious needs that cannot be met through insurance or other forms of assistance

Housing Assistance may be provided financially or directly, including:

Rent: Financial assistance to rent temporary housing while disaster-caused repairs are made to your primary residence, or while transitioning to permanent housing.

Home Repair: Financial assistance for homeowners to repair uninsured home damage caused by the disaster. The assistance is intended to repair the home to a safe and sanitary living or functioning condition.

Home Replacement: Financial assistance for homeowners who must replace or rebuild their primary residence as a result of the disaster.

Direct Housing: In limited circumstances where adequate temporary housing resources are not available, FEMA may provide a temporary housing unit directly to homeowners and renters.

Other Needs Assistance may be provided financially, including:

Personal Property: Assistance to repair or replace common household items including, but not limited to, furnishings, appliances, and assistive equipment that supports daily living activities

Medical/Dental: Assistance to pay for medical or dental expenses caused by the disaster. This includes, but is not limited to, hospital and ambulance services, and the replacement of medication.

Funeral: Assistance for expenses incurred due to a death caused by the disaster. Expenses include, but are not limited to, the cost of a casket or urn and funeral services.

Childcare: Assistance for increased child care costs as a result of the disaster. Eligible expenses include child care costs for children aged 13 and under, or children aged 14 to 18 with a disability.

Miscellaneous Expenses: Assistance to purchase specific items approved by the State, Tribe, or Territory. They may include, but are not limited to, items such as a wet/dry vacuum, chainsaw, or dehumidifier.

Transportation: Assistance to repair or replace a vehicle damaged by the disaster.

Moving & Storage Expenses: Assistance to temporarily relocate and store personal property from the damaged primary residence while repairs are made

Eligibility Criteria for Housing and Other Needs Assistance:

  • Your disaster losses must be in a Presidentially declared disaster area;
  • A member of your household must be a United States citizen, a non-citizen national, or a qualifed alien;
  • Your damaged home is where you live the majority of the year;
  • You have necessary expenses or serious needs as a result of the disaster that are not covered by insurance or any other sources.

Additional FEMA assistance programs

Crisis Counseling: Assists individuals and communities recovering from the effects of a disaster through the provision of community-based outreach and educational services.

Disaster Unemployment: Provides unemployment benefits and reemployment services to individuals who become unemployed as a result of a disaster and are not eligible for regular State unemployment insurance.

Disaster Legal Services: Provides free legal assistance to low income individuals who are otherwise unable to secure legal services to meet their disaster related needs.

Disaster Case Management: Assists individuals with unmet needs caused by the disaster through the development and implementation of a Household Recovery Plan

Partner Agency Assistance

To meet the needs of disaster survivors, FEMA partners with other governmental and non-governmental agencies. FEMA works with the U.S. Small Business Administration to offer low-interest disaster loans to homeowners and renters in a declared disaster area. You do not need to own a business to apply for a disaster loan. Learn more about applying for a disaster loan or about
assistance available from other FEMA partners at: www.DisasterAssistance.gov.

Apply for Disaster Assistance

Online:
Go to www.DisasterAssistance.gov on your computer, mobile device, or through the FEMA App (www.fema.gov/mobile-app) to register or check the status of your application.

By Phone:
Call 800-621-3362
• You can register in any language. For Spanish, press 2.
• If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability and use 711 or VRS, call 800-621-3362. TTY: call 800-462-7585

In Person:
Visit a Disaster Recovery Center. • For locations, call 800-621-3362 or visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
• Disaster Survivor Assistance team members may be visiting door-to-door in your area. They will have official FEMA photo identification

Hurricane’s Harvey, Irma and Maria Medicare Provider Enrollment Relief

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Information as of September 2017

What is CMS doing to support Hurricane Harvey/Irma/Maria emergency recovery?

CMS is exercising its waiver authority to allow suppliers or other practitioners who are not currently enrolled to initiate temporary billing privileges and suspend certain Medicare enrollment screening requirements for healthcare and suppliers or other practitioners that are assisting with Hurricane Harvey/Irma/Maria recovery efforts in Texas, Louisiana, Florida, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. CMS has established a hotline to assist these healthcare suppliers and other practitioners in order to enroll in federal health programs and receive temporary Medicare billing privileges. This hotline is not intended for use by Part A certified or Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) suppliers.

What is the Hurricane Harvey/Irma/Maria Medicare Provider Enrollment Application Hotline?

CMS established a toll-free hotline servicing Medicare’s Part B providers and suppliers in Texas, Louisiana, Florida, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The hotline is intended for non-certified Part B suppliers and other practitioners to initiate provisional temporary Medicare billing privileges.

The hotline number is available for use by non-certified Part B suppliers and other practitioners servicing Medicare beneficiaries in Texas, Louisiana, Florida, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Through the hotline you will be able to:

  1. Initiate temporary billing privileges as a new supplier or other practitioner in Medicare.
  2. Add a temporary practice location as an existing supplier or other practitioner in Medicare.
  3. Add a temporary reassignment relationship as an existing supplier or other practitioner in Medicare.

What is the hotline number and hours of operation?

The toll free Hotline Telephone Number: 1-855-247-8428
Hours of Operation: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM ET

This hotline number is used for all impacted areas

What information should I have available when I call the hotline?

To initiate temporary billing privileges, you will be asked to provide limited information, including, but not limited to, Legal Name, National Provider Identifier (NPI), Tax Identification Number (Social Security Number or Employer Identification Number), a valid in-state or out of-state licensure, address information and contact information (email address and telephone number).

How long will it take to approve my temporary Medicare billing privileges?

The Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) will attempt to screen and enroll the supplier or other practitioner over the phone and will notify the provider of their approval or rejection
of temporary Medicare billing privileges during the phone conversation. To assist in this effort, CMS is waiving the following enrollment requirements:

  • Payment of the application fee
  • Fingerprint based criminal background checks
  • Site visits
  • In-state licensure requirements

I am a licensed physician or other practitioner but not in the state of Texas, Louisiana, Florida, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands. I will be traveling to one of these areas to provide services to those in need. Do I need to obtain a new license?

No. CMS is waving the licensure requirements. A physician or other practitioner must be licensed in at least one state in which he/she furnishes services, but is not required to be licensed in the state where assistance is being provided.

What will be the effective date of my temporary Medicare billing privileges?

Providers will be assigned a retroactive effective date that is based on the date of the telephone call but no earlier than the declared disaster effective dates (Aug. 25, 2017, for Texas; Aug. 28, 2017, for Louisiana; Sept. 10, 2017, for Florida and Puerto Rico; Sept. 7, 2017, for the U.S. Virgin Islands).

I am located in a declared disaster area and am due to revalidate. Will my due date be extended?

CMS is temporarily ceasing revalidation efforts for Medicare providers or suppliers located in Texas, Louisiana, Florida, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands and other areas directly impacted by Hurricane Harvey/Irma/Maria. Upon the lifting of the Emergency Disaster Declaration, CMS will resume revalidation activities.

I am a Medicare enrolled supplier or other practitioner but will be providing services from a temporary location due to the effects of Hurricane Harvey/Irma/Maria. Do I need to report my temporary location to my Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC)?

CMS is waiving the practice location reporting requirements and will not take administrative actions with respect to suppliers or other practitioners who fail to provide notification of their
temporary practice location. This temporary process will remain in effect from the declared disaster effective dates (Aug. 25, 2017, for Texas; Aug. 28, 2017, for Louisiana; Sept. 10, 2017,
for Florida and Puerto Rico; Sept. 7, 2017, for the U.S. Virgin Islands) until the disaster designation is lifted. If the temporary location is still being utilized until the previous location is re-established, it must be reported via the appropriate CMS-855 enrollment application, as required to comply with the enrollment requirements.

How does Hurricane Harvey impact the temporary enrollment moratoria on Part B non emergency ambulance suppliers in Texas?

CMS has authority under 42 C.F.R. § 424.570(d) to lift a temporary moratorium at any time if the President declares an area a disaster under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. As a result of the President’s declaration in the state of Texas on August 25, 2017, CMS has carefully reviewed the potential impact of continued moratorium in Texas and is lifting the temporary enrollment moratoria on Part B non-emergency ambulance suppliers in Texas in order to aid in the disaster response. This lifting applies to Medicare, Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and became effective on September 1, 2017. CMS will also publish a document in the Federal Register to announce that the moratoria on Part B non-emergency ambulance suppliers has been lifted. Providers and suppliers that were unable to enroll because of the moratorium will be designated to CMS’ high screening level under 42 CFR § 424.518(c)(3)(iii) to the extent these providers and suppliers enroll in Medicare in the future.

How long will the hotline be operational?

The hotline will cease providing Medicare temporary billing privileges over the phone on the date the disaster designation is lifted.

Will my temporary Medicare billing privileges be deactivated?

Your Medicare billing privileges are being granted on a provisional basis as a result of the disaster designations and are temporary. Upon the lifting of the Emergency Disaster Declaration, you will be asked to submit a complete CMS-855 enrollment application in order to establish full Medicare billing privileges, following the Medicare Administrative Contractor’s (MAC’s) review of your application. Failure to respond to the MAC’s request within 30 days of the notification, will result in the deactivation of your temporary billing privileges.