News and reports from the Department of Health and Human Services.

The U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS), Treasury, and Interior, in partnership with the Executive Office of the President, have released a report detailing findings from the Tribal CX Pilot for Post-Award Reporting project. This report provides an overview of piloted solutions to assist with grant reporting compliance and outlines future focus areas to support agencies in creating effective policies for the economic growth of Tribal Nations.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), has announced grant awards totaling $45.1 million to expand mental health and substance use services across various demographics, including children and youth. This funding aligns with the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to address mental health and overdose crises, key components of President Biden's Unity Agenda.

The Biden-Harris Administration’s Kids Online Health and Safety Task Force, co-led by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the U.S. Department of Commerce’s (DOC) National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), released a new report today with recommendations and best practices for safer social media and online platform use for youth. The recommendations in the report, "Online Health and Safety for Children and Youth: Best Practices for Families and Guidance for...

Since its launch on July 16, 2022, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline has answered over 10 million calls, texts, and chats from individuals experiencing mental health or substance use crises. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced this milestone today. HHS has invested nearly $1.5 billion into the lifeline as part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s strategy to address these national crises.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), has announced a new investment in a multi-state social worker licensure compact. This initiative, part of the first-ever Licensure Portability Grant Program, aims to facilitate social workers practicing across state lines, thereby increasing access to behavioral health services and enhancing telehealth capabilities.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), continues to advance President Biden’s initiative to alleviate high, upfront out-of-pocket prescription drug costs. This effort is part of the President’s Inflation Reduction Act. CMS has released the final part two guidance on plan outreach and education for the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan. This initiative aims to ensure that individuals with Medicare prescription drug coverage are informed about this payment option.

This morning, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra tested positive for COVID-19 after experiencing mild symptoms. He is fully vaccinated and three times boosted. He will continue to work remotely.

On July 11, 2024, U.S. Secretary of Health Xavier Becerra met with Minister Keizo Takemi of Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare to discuss the longstanding global health partnership between the United States and Japan. Secretary Becerra and Minister Takemi spoke about the planning of the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Knowledge Hub in Tokyo and continued cooperation on World Health Organization (WHO) pandemic negotiations.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra today declared a Public Health Emergency (PHE) for the state of Texas to address the health impacts of recent severe weather. The declaration follows President Biden’s emergency declaration and gives the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), health care providers, and suppliers greater flexibility in meeting emergency health needs of Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC), released the Health Data, Technology, and Interoperability: Patient Engagement, Information Sharing, and Public Health Interoperability (HTI-2) proposed rule for public comment. The HTI-2 proposed rule aims to advance interoperability and improve information sharing among patients, providers, payers, and public health authorities.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), has proposed new policies aimed at reducing maternal mortality and morbidity, particularly among underserved communities. The Calendar Year (CY) 2025 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) and Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) proposed rule includes measures to increase access to care and advance health equity.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), has proposed new policies in the calendar year 2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) to advance health equity and support whole-person care. The proposal aims to strengthen primary care, expand access to behavioral and oral health services, maintain telehealth flexibilities, and improve preventive care for conditions such as colorectal cancer and hepatitis B.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), announced funding opportunities totaling $27.5 million aimed at improving women’s behavioral health across the United States. This initiative underscores the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to addressing the unique mental health and substance use treatment needs of women.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) have announced a series of resources and tips to help the public address extreme heat conditions currently affecting the nation. The agencies are emphasizing the importance of planning and taking action to prevent heat-related illnesses and deaths.

Illinois, Kentucky, Oregon, Utah, and Vermont are set to provide improved continuity of Medicaid and CHIP coverage for incarcerated individuals. These populations have historically faced neglected health care needs ranging from substance-use disorder treatment to chronic physical health conditions.