Posted on 01/19/2009 5:01:52 PM PST by Diana in Wisconsin
Washington, DC (AHN) - The federal government is calling Tuesday's historic inauguration in Washington, D.C. a "public health emergency."
Millions of people will be flooding the streets of the nation's capital, and if something happens that creates confusion on the ground, medical services must be available unabated to those enrolled in certain federal health programs like Medicaid, Medicare and the State Children's Health Program, or S-Chip.
The Department of Health and Human Services' declaration of a public health emergency in the district effective from Jan. 17 through Jan. 21 ensures they will, according to a HHS announcement.
"The declaration permits the [secretary of HHS] to issue a waiver of the Social Security Act for the period covered by the declaration, if this action is found to be necessary at a later date. The waiver would provide the flexibility to take steps to ensure that vital health care services can be maintained for beneficiaries. It provides the authority to temporarily relax certain operating procedures so health care services can be delivered," the announcement reads.
The declaration is likely the last major action to be taken by HHS Secretary Michael Leavitt before he leaves his post along with other members of the Bush administration.
Me too.
Our entire country is in a mental health emergency, to be sure.
How’s the climate outlook for DC tomorrow? Any chance of snow and freezing temps?
Ping.
LOL You're dreaming like I am, keep checking the weather for D.C. Gonna be awfully cold using those porta-potties tomorrow.
High: 32 °F RealFeel®: 18 °F
Mostly cloudy, breezy and colder with a flurry
The stinkin hippies can drown in sewage for all I care. However if they do, I’ll be the first to point out that it’s Obama’s fault.
“A Cold Inauguration Day with Flurries in the Vicinity
While two storms will flirt with the Washington, D.C., area with snow into Inauguration Day, the main problem for those remaining outdoors for a number of hours will be very cold conditions.
Those attending the inauguration activities of President-Elect Barack 0bama through Tuesday will need to bundle up for the cold weather. It will feel like the temperature is near 10 degrees at times.
In regards to snow, an upper-level disturbance was passing through the Washington and Baltimore area into this evening. The disturbance is producing snow showers that can bring a coating to some areas, potentially leading to slippery spots on roads and highways before tapering off tonight.
The snow showers are not only occurring in the Washington area, but also Richmond, Philadelphia, New York City and Pittsburgh. Travelers should be prepared for delays and slippery areas, due to the inconsistent nature of the snow showers.
Tonight, temperatures will fall back through the 20s and an untreated wet areas will freeze up.”
I thought Obama could cause the clouds to part and the sun to shine!!
“and if something happens that creates confusion on the ground”
Maybe this is a subtle hint that they are expecting or know that something more than magic is afoot in the land of make believe?
So if you have regular health insurance, you’ll be sent to the back of the line after the govt. insurance patients?
A circus is coming to town.
Will Barack Hussein Obama be America’s first asterisk president? #44*
$250 million being spent on this party makes me sick.
I bet there are sign up sheets for free health care for people who get sick while there as well.
How many people does occupancy permit allow for this circus?
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