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

HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra released a statement on National Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) Heritage Month, emphasizing the progress made in advancing the health and well-being of these communities. Becerra highlighted the Department of Health and Human Services' dedication to equity and inclusivity through various initiatives, such as expanding healthcare access and investing in behavioral health services, including the recent launch of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.In his statement, Becerra expressed solidarity with AA and NHPI...

An Oklahoma-based multi-facility nursing care organization has settled a case with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Office for Civil Rights (OCR). The case revolved around ensuring patients' access to health records, as stipulated under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Right of Access provision.

The Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health has declared that 80 health organizations have penned a letter to Congress, emphasizing the importance of nutrition and conservation in farm policy. The letter also outlines opportunities for lawmakers to enhance health equity and address the climate crisis.

Michigan has become the first state to implement separate licensing standards for kin caregivers, according to Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra. This approval follows a similar move by the Salt River Pima Tribe in Arizona.

A recent study by the Lown Institute reveals that 80% of nonprofit hospitals contribute less to their communities than they receive in estimated tax benefits. In some cases, the difference amounts to hundreds of millions of dollars.

The Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) announced that it had joined forces with the American Nurses Association (ANA) and the American College of Emergency Physicians on Capitol Hill to detail workplace violence in health care.

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) recently marked its tenth anniversary, with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) highlighting that participation in the program has reached an all-time high. Currently, there are 45 million people currently enrolled, and HHS’s Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation's (ASPE) analysis shows that the ACA's Marketplaces and Medicaid expansion is the reason behind the high numbers.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has unveiled a new measure designed to bolster investments in person-centered primary care. The initiative, supported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), aims to foster competition in healthcare. It includes provisions for monthly prospective primary care payments and a one-time advanced shared savings payment to Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs).

The National Rural Health Association (NRHA) has announced the recipients of its 2024 Rural Health Award. This annual program honors individuals and organizations that have demonstrated a strong commitment to enhancing health in rural communities.

The Center on Health and Families (CHF), a campaign of the Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF), has unveiled its policy priorities for the 89th Texas Legislative Session. The session is scheduled to begin on January 14, 2025, and end on June 2, 2025.

President Joe Biden has recently unveiled his proposed budget for the fiscal year 2025, with a focus on bolstering the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The plan aims to reduce daily costs for Americans while improving Social Security and Medicare programs.

SRI and Lisa Health have published the outcomes of a survey investigating the challenges and needs of menopausal women in the workforce. The results suggest that employers could enhance their efforts to address this occasionally neglected facet of workplace inclusivity.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has announced a new round of funding aimed at mitigating the impact of the opioid epidemic in rural communities. The HRSA will allocate $50 million to a program designed to provide recovery and treatment services to regions not located near an urban area.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) continues to negotiate with pharmaceutical companies wishing to participate in the inaugural cycle of Medicare drug price negotiations. The drug manufacturers have responded with their own pricing propositions as HHS aims to reduce the cost of prescription medications.

The National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) has released survey results indicating that a significant number of local pharmacies across the United States may be compelled to shut down this year. The situation could potentially worsen if lawmakers decide to postpone Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) reform.