department of health and human services

Biden administration seeks to expand 24/7 mental health care

By Amanda Seitz, Associated Press

Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra announced Tuesday that the government will award millions of dollars for states to plan how clinics can offer more on-demand help for people in crisis.

Federal judge blocks enforcement of Biden administration abortion rule in Texas

By Associated Press

A federal judge in Texas has temporarily blocked the federal government from enforcing a legal interpretation that would require hospitals in the state to provide abortion services if the life of the mother is at risk.

Number of uninsured Americans drops to an all-time low

By Amanda Seitz, Associated Press

The number of people living in America without health insurance coverage hit an all-time low of 8 percent this year, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced Tuesday.

U.S. to deploy 800,000 additional monkeypox vaccine doses

By Matthew Perrone, Associated Press

Health regulators say nearly 800,000 doses of monkeypox vaccine will soon be available for U.S. distribution.

WATCH: New Covid-19 funding necessary to continue efforts against pandemic, says HHS secretary

By News Desk and Associated Press

Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra testifies Thursday on President Joe Biden's proposed 2023 budget in hearing of the the House Budget Committee.

Biden to build on 'Obamacare' after Supreme Court tosses GOP lawsuit, Sec. Becerra says

By PBS NewsHour

The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, survived a third major legal challenge at the U.S. Supreme Court Thursday. In a 7-2 vote, the justices rejected a lawsuit brought by 18 Republican-led states that questioned the ACA’s legality over…

Continue watching

WATCH: Senate Appropriations Committee holds hearing with Xavier Becerra about HHS budget

By News Desk

Becerra detailed a $25 billion proposed increase in funding for the department to bring its total to about $131.7 billion in discretionary budget.

US waives FBI checks on caregivers at new migrant facilities

By Nomaan Merchant, Associated Press

The Biden administration is not requiring FBI fingerprint background checks of caregivers at its rapidly expanding network of emergency sites to hold thousands of immigrant teenagers, alarming child welfare experts who say the waiver compromises safety.

WATCH: Surgeon general, assistant HHS secretary nominees testify before Senate

By Courtney Vinopal

The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee on Feb. 25 will consider the nominations of Vivek Murthy for U.S. Surgeon General and Dr. Rachel Levine for assistant secretary of Health and Human Services.

U.S. tries to expedite release of migrant children amid surge

By Nomaan Merchant, Associated Press

With its long-term facilities for immigrant children nearly full, the Biden administration is working to expedite the release of children to their relatives in the U.S.