Last updated 7 months ago. Our resources are updated regularly but please keep in mind that links, programs, policies, and contact information do change.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is one of the largest federal departments, offering numerous programs designed to protect the health and well-being of Americans. For many citizens, navigating these programs can feel overwhelming. This comprehensive guide breaks down the major HHS programs and services available to the American public, helping you understand what benefits you might qualify for and how to access them.
What is the Department of Health and Human Services?
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is the principal federal agency responsible for protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services. With an annual budget of over $1.7 trillion and approximately 80,000 employees, HHS administers more than 300 programs covering healthcare, public health, social services, medical research, and more.
HHS operates through 11 operating divisions, including eight agencies in the U.S. Public Health Service and three human services agencies. These divisions work together to implement a wide range of programs that touch the lives of virtually every American.
Healthcare Programs
Medicare
Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily for people 65 or older. It also covers certain younger people with disabilities and people with End-Stage Renal Disease.
Medicare consists of four parts:
- Part A (Hospital Insurance): Covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care. Most people don’t pay a premium for Part A if they or their spouse paid Medicare taxes while working.
- Part B (Medical Insurance): Covers certain doctors’ services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services. Most people pay a standard monthly premium for Part B.
- Part C (Medicare Advantage): An alternative way to receive Medicare benefits through private health insurance companies approved by Medicare. These plans often include Parts A, B, and D coverage plus additional benefits.
- Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage): Helps cover the cost of prescription drugs. These plans are offered by insurance companies and other private companies approved by Medicare.
Who Qualifies:
- People 65 or older
- People under 65 with certain disabilities
- People of any age with End-Stage Renal Disease
How to Apply: Apply through the Social Security Administration up to three months before you turn 65, even if you don’t plan to retire yet.
Medicaid
Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that helps with medical costs for some people with limited income and resources. Medicaid offers benefits not normally covered by Medicare, including nursing home care and personal care services.
Each state has different rules about eligibility and applying for Medicaid. In some states, Medicaid has been expanded to cover all adults below certain income levels.
Who Qualifies: Eligibility varies by state but generally includes:
- Low-income families
- Qualified pregnant women and children
- People receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- In states with expanded Medicaid: adults below 138% of the federal poverty level
How to Apply: Apply through your state Medicaid agency or through the Health Insurance Marketplace.
Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provides low-cost health coverage to children in families that earn too much money to qualify for Medicaid but too little to afford private insurance. CHIP is administered by states according to federal requirements.
Who Qualifies: Uninsured children under 19 in families with incomes too high for Medicaid but generally below 300% of the federal poverty level (varies by state).
How to Apply: Apply through your state CHIP program or through the Health Insurance Marketplace.
Health Insurance Marketplace
The Health Insurance Marketplace helps people shop for and enroll in affordable health insurance. The Marketplace is part of the Affordable Care Act and provides subsidies (tax credits) for people who qualify based on income.
Who Qualifies: People who need health insurance and don’t have access to affordable coverage through a job, Medicare, Medicaid, or CHIP.
How to Apply: Apply through HealthCare.gov or your state’s Marketplace during Open Enrollment or during a Special Enrollment Period if you have a qualifying life event.
Public Health Programs
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
The CDC works to protect America from health, safety, and security threats, both foreign and domestic. CDC programs include:
- Vaccines for Children Program: Provides vaccines at no cost to children who might not otherwise be vaccinated because of inability to pay.
- National Diabetes Prevention Program: A partnership of public and private organizations working to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes.
- HIV/AIDS Prevention and Treatment: Programs addressing HIV testing, prevention, and care.
- Tobacco Control Programs: Efforts to reduce tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke.
How to Access: Visit the CDC website for information on programs and resources in your area.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
SAMHSA leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation and reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America’s communities.
Key SAMHSA programs include:
- National Helpline: A free, confidential, 24/7/365 treatment referral and information service for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.
- Block Grants: Funds provided to states to plan, implement, and evaluate substance abuse prevention and treatment programs.
- Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH): Supports services for people with serious mental illness who are experiencing homelessness.
How to Access: Call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or visit the SAMHSA website.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
The FDA is responsible for protecting public health by ensuring the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, and medical devices, as well as the safety of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, and products that emit radiation.
FDA programs and resources include:
- Food Safety: Monitoring and regulation of food production and distribution.
- Drug Approval and Safety Monitoring: Ensuring prescription and over-the-counter medications are safe and effective.
- Reporting Adverse Events: Systems for reporting problems with FDA-regulated products.
How to Access: Visit the FDA website for information on regulated products and to report adverse events.
Social Services Programs
Administration for Children and Families (ACF)
The ACF promotes the economic and social well-being of families, children, individuals, and communities. Key ACF programs include:
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
TANF provides financial assistance and support services to low-income families with children. States receive block grants to design and operate programs to accomplish the goals of TANF.
Who Qualifies: Low-income families with children. Specific eligibility requirements vary by state.
How to Apply: Apply through your state TANF program.
Head Start and Early Head Start
Head Start promotes school readiness for children from low-income families by offering educational, nutritional, health, social, and other services. Early Head Start serves infants, toddlers, and pregnant women.
Who Qualifies: Children from birth to age 5 from families with incomes below the poverty guidelines. Children in foster care, homeless children, and children from families receiving public assistance are automatically eligible.
How to Apply: Find a Head Start program near you and contact them directly.
Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF)
The CCDF helps low-income families obtain child care so they can work, attend training, or continue their education. The program also improves the quality of child care and promotes early childhood development.
Who Qualifies: Low-income families with children under 13 (or under 19 if the child has special needs). Families must be working or in education/training programs.
How to Apply: Contact your state child care agency.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
LIHEAP helps low-income households with their home energy bills, energy crises, weatherization, and energy-related minor home repairs.
Who Qualifies: Low-income households, particularly those that pay a high proportion of household income for home energy.
How to Apply: Contact your state LIHEAP office.
Administration for Community Living (ACL)
The ACL works to maximize the independence, well-being, and health of older adults, people with disabilities, and their families and caregivers. Key ACL programs include:
Older Americans Act Programs
These programs provide a variety of home and community-based services, including:
- Nutrition Services: Congregate and home-delivered meals.
- Transportation Services: Help getting to and from medical appointments, grocery shopping, etc.
- Homemaker Services: Light housekeeping and meal preparation.
- Personal Care Services: Help with bathing, dressing, etc.
- Caregiver Support: Information, respite care, counseling, and training for caregivers.
Who Qualifies: Generally, individuals 60 years of age and older. Some programs have specific eligibility requirements.
How to Access: Contact your local Area Agency on Aging.
State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
SHIP provides free, in-depth, one-on-one insurance counseling and assistance to Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers.
Who Qualifies: Medicare beneficiaries and those approaching Medicare eligibility.
How to Access: Contact your state SHIP program.
Centers for Independent Living (CILs)
CILs are community-based, cross-disability, non-profit organizations designed and operated by people with disabilities. They provide peer support, information and referral, individual and systems advocacy, independent living skills training, and transition services.
Who Qualifies: People with disabilities of all ages.
How to Access: Find your local CIL.
Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE)
The OCSE partners with state, tribal, and local child support agencies to promote parental responsibility and ensure children receive financial and medical support from both parents.
Services include:
- Locating noncustodial parents
- Establishing paternity
- Establishing and enforcing support orders
- Collecting and distributing child support payments
Who Qualifies: Custodial parents or guardians of children with a noncustodial parent.
How to Apply: Apply through your state or tribal child support agency.
Health Research and Innovation
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
The NIH is the nation’s medical research agency, making important discoveries that improve health and save lives. The NIH consists of 27 institutes and centers, each with a specific research agenda.
NIH programs and resources include:
- Clinical Trials: Studies to determine if new drugs or treatments are safe and effective.
- Research Grants: Funding for scientific research at universities and research institutions.
- Health Information: Reliable, science-based health information for the public.
How to Access: Visit the NIH website for health information or to learn about clinical trials at ClinicalTrials.gov.
Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC)
The ONC is the principal federal entity charged with coordination of nationwide efforts to implement and use the most advanced health information technology and the electronic exchange of health information.
ONC programs and resources include:
- Health IT Certification: Standards and certification criteria for health IT products.
- Patient Access to Health Information: Support for patients’ rights to access their electronic health information.
- Privacy and Security: Resources on protecting health information privacy and security.
How to Access: Visit the HealthIT.gov website for information and resources.
Indigenous Health Services
Indian Health Service (IHS)
The IHS is responsible for providing federal health services to American Indians and Alaska Natives. The IHS provides a comprehensive health service delivery system for approximately 2.6 million American Indians and Alaska Natives who belong to 574 federally recognized tribes in 37 states.
IHS services include:
- Direct Health Care Services: Medical, dental, pharmacy, behavioral health services, and more.
- Preventive Health Services: Public health nursing, health education, immunizations, and more.
- Contract Health Services: Referrals to private health care providers when services are not available through IHS facilities.
Who Qualifies: Members of federally recognized American Indian tribes and Alaska Native villages.
How to Access: Find an IHS facility near you.
Special Populations Programs
Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR)
The ORR helps new populations maximize their potential in the United States by linking them to critical resources that assist them in becoming integrated members of American society.
ORR programs include:
- Refugee Cash and Medical Assistance: Short-term cash and medical assistance for eligible refugees.
- Refugee Social Services: Employment services, English language training, and other services to help refugees become self-sufficient.
- Unaccompanied Children’s Services: Care and placement for unaccompanied alien children.
Who Qualifies: Refugees, asylees, certain Amerasian immigrants, Cuban and Haitian entrants, Special Immigrant Visa holders, and victims of human trafficking.
How to Access: Contact your state refugee coordinator or local resettlement agency.
Office on Women’s Health (OWH)
The OWH coordinates women’s health efforts across HHS and addresses critical women’s health issues. OWH resources include:
- Women’s Health Helpline: A free resource offering women’s health information.
- National Women’s Health Information Center: Provides free, reliable health information on over 800 topics.
- Women’s Health Education Programs: Campaigns and programs to educate women about health issues.
How to Access: Visit the WomensHealth.gov website or call the Women’s Health Helpline at 1-800-994-9662.
How to Navigate HHS Programs
Finding and Applying for Programs
- Benefits.gov: Visit Benefits.gov and use the Benefit Finder tool to identify programs you may qualify for based on your specific situation.
- USA.gov: The USA.gov website has a comprehensive benefits section that can help you find and apply for government benefits.
- 2-1-1: Dial 2-1-1 from any phone to connect with a local resource specialist who can help you find services in your area.
- Local Community Action Agency: Find your local Community Action Agency for help accessing various assistance programs.
Understanding Eligibility
Eligibility for HHS programs typically depends on factors such as:
- Income and financial resources
- Age
- Family size
- Disability status
- Citizenship or immigration status
- Specific health conditions or needs
Most programs have specific income thresholds based on the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), which is updated annually.
Application Tips
- Gather necessary documentation before applying, such as:
- Proof of identity (birth certificates, driver’s licenses, etc.)
- Social Security numbers for all household members
- Proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, etc.)
- Proof of residency (utility bills, lease agreements, etc.)
- Medical records (for health-related programs)
- Apply for multiple programs at once when possible. Many states have combined application processes for Medicaid, CHIP, SNAP, and TANF.
- Seek application assistance from community organizations, legal aid societies, or program offices.
- Be aware of application deadlines and renewal requirements to maintain benefits without interruption.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don’t qualify for Medicaid but can’t afford private insurance?
If your income is too high for Medicaid but too low to afford private insurance, you may qualify for subsidies through the Health Insurance Marketplace. These subsidies can significantly reduce your monthly premiums.
Can immigrants access HHS programs?
Many HHS programs are available to qualified immigrants. Eligibility rules vary by program and immigration status. Even if you’re not eligible for some federal benefits, you may qualify for state or local programs. Emergency medical assistance is generally available regardless of immigration status.
What services are available for people experiencing homelessness?
HHS funds several programs for people experiencing homelessness, including:
- PATH (Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness)
- Health Care for the Homeless
- Runaway and Homeless Youth programs
Contact your local homeless assistance organizations or call 2-1-1 for information about services in your area.
How do I appeal if my application for benefits is denied?
Every HHS program has an appeals process. If your application is denied, you will receive information about how to appeal the decision. Generally, you must request an appeal in writing within a specific timeframe. You may want to seek assistance from a legal aid society or community organization during the appeals process.
What if I need help in a language other than English?
HHS programs are required to provide language assistance services, including translated materials and interpreter services, at no cost to applicants and beneficiaries with limited English proficiency.
Resources for More Information
- HHS.gov – Official website of the Department of Health and Human Services
- Benefits.gov – Gateway to government benefits information
- HealthCare.gov – Official site for Health Insurance Marketplace
- Medicare.gov – Official U.S. government site for Medicare
- Medicaid.gov – Official site for Medicaid information
- InsureKidsNow.gov – Information on CHIP and children’s health insurance options
- CDC.gov – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- SAMHSA.gov – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
- ACF.hhs.gov – Administration for Children and Families
- ACL.gov – Administration for Community Living
- IHS.gov – Indian Health Service
- WomensHealth.gov – Office on Women’s Health
Conclusion
The Department of Health and Human Services offers a vast array of programs and services designed to protect and enhance the health and well-being of all Americans. By understanding what’s available and how to access these services, you can take advantage of the resources that best meet your needs and those of your family.
Remember that eligibility requirements, application processes, and specific benefits can change over time. Always check with the program directly or visit their official website for the most up-to-date information.
Whether you need health insurance, food assistance, help with energy bills, support for your children, or services for older adults or people with disabilities, HHS programs are there to help. Don’t hesitate to reach out and apply for the benefits you may be eligible to receive.
Our articles make government information more accessible. Please consult a qualified professional for financial, legal, or health advice specific to your circumstances.