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

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.

The Biden-Harris Administration has reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA), following a recent Supreme Court decision in Moyle v. United States. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure issued a letter to hospital and provider associations, emphasizing hospitals' legal duty to provide necessary stabilizing medical treatment or appropriate transfers for patients with emergency medical conditions.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), part of the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), has announced an allocation of approximately $176 million to Moderna for the development of an mRNA-based pandemic influenza vaccine.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), has announced an investment exceeding $200 million to support 42 programs nationwide aimed at enhancing care for older Americans, including those with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has announced a settlement with Heritage Valley Health System regarding potential violations of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Security Rule following a ransomware attack. This marks OCR’s third ransomware settlement as the agency observes a 264% increase in large ransomware breaches since 2018.

In support of President Biden’s Unity Strategy and Mental Health Agenda, along with HHS’ Roadmap for Behavioral Health Integration, a federal prize competition aims to promote innovative community-based initiatives to enhance resilience and advance children and youth behavioral health.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra issued a statement today following the Supreme Court’s decision in Moyle v. United States.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), announced that some Medicare enrollees will pay less for 64 drugs available through Medicare Part B. The reduced Part B coinsurance rate will be effective from July 1, 2024, to September 30, 2024, as each drug company raised prices faster than the rate of inflation. Over 750,000 people with Medicare use these drugs annually to treat conditions such as osteoporosis, cancer, and infections.

Over the last several years, young people in the United States have faced significant challenges, including gun violence, social isolation, and other repercussions from the COVID-19 pandemic. These issues have had devastating effects on their mental health and well-being.

The HHS Office of Climate Change and Health Equity (OCCHE) published two case studies today highlighting how Boston Medical Center and OhioHealth, a pair of nonprofit safety net health care providers, are using the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to reduce carbon emissions. The case studies aim to offer health organizations in similar situations a roadmap to use the IRA to serve their core mission, reduce climate-related health impacts, and advance health equity.

Washington, D.C. – On June 25, 2024, United States Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy released a landmark advisory on firearm violence, declaring it a public health crisis in America. The advisory highlights that more than half (54 percent) of U.S. adults or their family members have experienced a firearm-related incident in their lives. Firearm violence is now the leading cause of death among children and adolescents.