Hurricane Florence and Medicare Disaster Related North Carolina, South Carolina, and the Commonwealth of Virginia Claims MLN Matters Article — New The President declared a state of emergency for the states of North Carolina, South Carolina, and the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the HHS Secretary declared a Public Health Emergency, which allows for CMS programmatic waivers based on Section 1135 of the Social Security Act. An MLN Matters Special Edition Article on Hurricane Florence and Medicare Disaster Related North Carolina, South Carolina, and the Commonwealth of Virginia Claims is available. Learn about blanket waivers CMS issued for the impacted geographical areas. These waivers will prevent gaps in access to care for beneficiaries impacted by the emergency.