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

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has allocated a $5.1 million grant to enhance mental health services for members of the LGBTQI+ community and their families. The funds will be distributed through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra recently addressed the National Press Club, advocating for a healthcare system centered on individual wellbeing. He highlighted that approximately 700 million COVID-19 vaccinations have been administered free of charge, and more people are enrolled in health care coverage (300 million) than ever before.

A non-profit hospital system based in New York City has consented to pay $4.75 million for contravening the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). The inquiry was led by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Office for Civil Rights (OCR), an agency within HHS that implements federal civil rights, privacy, and security laws in health care.

The Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) has announced the formation of a task force aimed at addressing what it describes as a severe crisis in youth mental health and addiction. The task force, chaired by four former members of Congress and ex-governors, seeks to create a national strategy to combat this issue.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced an updated model aimed at improving the quality of care for individuals living with mental health conditions and substance use disorders who are covered by Medicaid and Medicare. This initiative is supported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and promotes the development of health information technology through infrastructure initiatives.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has launched a new website to provide stakeholders with Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) renewal and transition information. This initiative is part of the Biden administration's aim to enroll more individuals in health coverage programs.

The Lown Institute has announced the publication of the seventh edition of its Shkreli Awards, which highlight the most egregious instances of profiteering and dysfunction within the healthcare industry.

The Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), Xavier Becerra, has announced that over 20 million individuals have enrolled for health care through the Affordable Care Act. The announcement was made on X, formerly known as Twitter.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra has highlighted the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act on reducing insulin prices. He took to social media to express that the Act has played a pivotal role in achieving this outcome.

A Florida-based roofing contractor, All Phase Roofing, has been cited by the U.S. Department of Labor's (DOL) Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for three repeat violations concerning a lack of fall protection measures for their employees. The charges were revealed following an OSHA investigation, which resulted in fines totaling $159,117.

The U.S. federal government has expressed concern over the low vaccination rates among nursing home residents. In response to this, Xavier Becerra, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), recently conducted an online meeting with leaders from nursing homes. He emphasized their critical role in ensuring that both staff and residents receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

President Biden has tasked the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) with the mission to reduce overdose deaths. In this regard, regulations are being proposed to ensure that all federal facilities are equipped with overdose reversal medications, such as naloxone. The General Services Administration (GSA) is supporting these measures.

Ultragenyx, a pharmaceutical company, has agreed to pay $6 million for allegations of paying kickbacks that contributed to increased claims for its drug, Crysvita. The company is accused of submitting false claims to Medicare and Medicaid by offering free genetic tests to encourage prescriptions of its drug.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has released data that underscores its concerns regarding state laws that affect families during the renewal process for Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). The HHS revealed that states, particularly those with expanded Medicaid programs supported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), are better equipped to maintain coverage for children.

U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), Xavier Becerra, has announced an update to the National Plan to combat Alzheimer's disease. The National Plan is a comprehensive initiative outlining how HHS and its stakeholders can lead in the development of treatments, research, care provision, support for people living with dementia and their caregivers, and action to mitigate risk factors.