Hospitals need to know: When disaster strikes, FEMA money is available to those that file quickly

Hospitals that are damaged by hurricanes or other disasters are missing out on millions of dollars in reimbursement from FEMA, according to Ryan Yokley, a vice president with Advis. Yokley recommends that hospitals prepare for disasters by familiarizing themselves with eligible expenses, reviewing insurance policies, establishing record-keeping procedures, and creating a preapproved vendor list. There is a short window of 30 days for hospitals to apply for FEMA reimbursement after a federal disaster declaration.