SAFE Act would cover ancillary equipment in climate disaster

WASHINGTON – Sen. Edward J. Markey, D-Mass., has introduced the Survival Aid for Emergencies (SAFE) through Medicare Act, a bill that would require Medicare to cover the full cost of equipment medically necessary for those at-risk in the event of a climate disaster. The bill would ensure that air conditioners, refrigerators, generators, solar batteries, and more are covered so that seniors and people with disabilities are able to safely weather any storm or natural disaster with their life-sustaining medications or medical-equipment at hand. “Climate justice is a matter of disability justice,” said Markey. “When the temperature skyrockets and the power goes out, things like solar batteries and heat pumps become medical devices. The SAFE through Medicare Act will keep people safe in their homes and prevent medical tragedies. It’s time that we guarantee that seniors and people with disabilities can safely weather the climate crisis.” Rep. Maxwell Alejandro Frost, Fla., has introduced a companion bill in the House of Representatives. Specifically, the bill would require Medicare coverage for 100% of the cost of home resiliency services or items that the Department of Health and Human Services determines are medically necessary for an individual who is medically at-risk in the event of a climate or manmade disaster, including extreme heat, extreme cold, flooding and loss of power. In determining whether a service or item is medically necessary, HHS would consider geographic risk, regional history of disasters, medical reliance on sensitive equipment and supplies, and chronic medical conditions and comorbidities.