Department of Health and Human Services

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is the federal government’s primary agency responsible for protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services. As a cabinet-level executive branch department with a nearly $2 trillion budget, HHS oversees more than 100 programs across 13 operating divisions, ranging from administering Medicare and Medicaid to regulating food and drugs, advancing medical research, and responding to public health emergencies.

Healthcare Coverage and Insurance

HHS administers critical healthcare programs that millions of Americans depend on. Get started with Medicare if you’re eligible, and learn how Medicare’s annual enrollment works. The agency also handles Medicare Advantage rates and hearing aid coverage decisions. For those without employer coverage, HHS provides ACA subsidies, and protects patients when Medicaid funding changes.

Drug, Food, and Product Safety

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), an HHS agency, regulates medications, medical devices, food, and consumer products. The FDA determines which drugs are safe, approves innovations like at-home Alzheimer’s tests and Wegovy/Zepbound, issues warning letters, manages device recalls, and oversees food safety amid 48 million annual illnesses, plus supplements and tobacco.

Public Health, Vaccines, and Research

Through the CDC, HHS addresses disease prevention like opioids, lead poisoning, and HIV. It supports vaccine safety and clinical trials. Contact HHS via official channels.