Department of Health and Human Services
Coverage of Department of Health and Human Services in the Nexus archive.
- Where Obamacare enrollment is plummeting
Obamacare enrollment has declined significantly in states like Ohio, Oklahoma, Arizona, South Carolina, and Minnesota following the expiration of federal subsidies. Nationally, enrollment dropped by 13% (about 3 million people), attributed to improper sign-ups and reduced premium payments after subsidies ended.
- Former CDC chief medical officer says RFK Jr. caused ‘irreparable harm’
Dr. Debra Houry, former chief medical officer at the CDC, criticized HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for causing irreparable harm to the agency. She expressed concerns about the direction of the CDC under his leadership.
- Trump’s actions signal a move toward institutionalizing people with disabilities, advocates warn
The Trump administration's recent actions, including shifting special education oversight to the Department of Health and Human Services under Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and lowering barriers for institutionalizing people with disabilities, have drawn criticism from advocates. These moves are seen as a potential regression to institutionalizing individuals with disabilities, contradicting decades of progress toward community integration and inclusive education.
- Trump's actions signal a move toward institutionalizing people with disabilities, advocates warn
The Trump administration's recent actions, including shifting special education oversight to the Health and Human Services Department led by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and the Department of Justice lowering barriers to institutionalizing people with disabilities, have raised concerns among advocates. Critics argue these moves signal a return to the 'medical model' of disability, which views disabilities as defects rather than differences requiring accommodation.
- Trump's actions signal a move toward institutionalizing people with disabilities, advocates warn
The Trump administration's actions, including shifting special education oversight to the Department of Health and Human Services under Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and lowering barriers to institutionalizing people with disabilities, have raised concerns among advocates about a regression toward marginalizing disabled individuals. Critics argue these moves align with a 'medical model' of disability, contradicting decades of progress toward inclusive education and community living.
- GOP Sen. Bill Cassidy says RFK Jr. broke promises to him, is running HHS on ‘foundation of lies’
GOP Senator Bill Cassidy accuses RFK Jr. of breaking promises and running the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on 'foundation of lies.' Cassidy emphasizes the importance of truth in decision-making.
- The Original ‘Meatfluencers’ Had Some Strange Ideas
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s campaign promotes a beef-centric diet inspired by the Paleo diet, influenced by Walter Voegtlin's 1970s book 'The Stone Age Diet,' which advocated eating wild game and suggested manatees as an alternative to cows. The Department of Health and Human Services updated its food pyramid to emphasize beef consumption, citing 'scientific foundation' for the advice.
- Department of Justice Memo sparks backlash from Bronx elected officials and disability advocacy groups
The Department of Justice released a memo stating states are not required to provide home and community-based services for disabled individuals, sparking backlash from Bronx officials and advocacy groups. U.S. Rep. Ritchie Torres and Illinois Sen. Tammy Duckworth criticized the memo, warning it could undermine decades of progress in disability integration and Medicaid-funded care.
- Trump admin cracks down on estimated $10 billion in Obamacare fraud, boots millions from rolls
The Trump administration's Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) removed nearly three million people from Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) rolls, citing $10 billion in fraud between 2021 and 2024. A Biden-era enrollment spike led to a probe revealing improper and phantom enrollments, with 2.6 million such cases remaining. The Trump administration has since restored income verification and ended special enrollment periods.
- Trump admin cracks down on estimated $10 billion in Obamacare fraud, boots millions from rolls
The Trump administration's Department of Health and Human Services identified and removed 3 million fraudulent enrollees from the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) rolls, estimating $10 billion in fraud between 2021 and 2024. The Biden administration's relaxed eligibility checks and expanded enrollment periods contributed to a spike in improper and phantom enrollments, which the Trump administration is addressing through stricter verification and investigations.
- Trump nominates Chris Klomp for HHS deputy secretary, calls him 'a potential STAR'
President Donald Trump announced the nomination of Chris Klomp to serve as deputy secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Trump cited Klomp's leadership in Medicare operations and his commitment to healthcare reforms, including the Most Favored Nation Drug Pricing Policy. The decision was made in collaboration with HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz.
- Trump nominates Chris Klomp for deputy health secretary
President Trump nominated Chris Klomp for deputy health secretary, elevating him from Medicare director to chief counselor of the Department of Health and Human Services. Trump praised Klomp's leadership and business experience, highlighting his role in negotiating drug pricing deals and reforms. The nomination adds to pending health appointments awaiting Senate action.
- Education Department officials deny doing an end run around Congress
Education Department officials denied bypassing Congress by transferring key functions to other agencies, stating these changes aim to improve services for students, including those with disabilities, and strengthen civil rights protections. Critics, including advocacy groups and lawmakers, have raised concerns about the lack of congressional approval and specific details on how the reorganization will benefit education.
- Senator Ron Wyden accuses US health agency of plan to deport more than 500 migrant children
Senator Ron Wyden accused the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) of preparing to deport over 500 unaccompanied migrant children in its custody using an 'unprecedented legal framework.' Wyden claims the agency is targeting these children through an administrative process lacking statutory authority and urged HHS to suspend related efforts.
- US Senator warns of administration plan to hastily remove over 500 unaccompanied migrant children
A U.S. senator warns the Trump administration is planning to rapidly remove over 500 unaccompanied migrant children, bypassing legal protections. The administration denies the claims, while the senator alleges the plan violates child welfare mandates and demands an immediate halt.
- Splitting Up Special Ed and Civil Rights Will Dilute Services, Experts Say
Experts warn that separating oversight of special education and civil rights into different federal agencies will complicate compliance and harm students with disabilities. A 2022 federal warning about 'informal removals' of disabled students from classrooms is now at risk of being diluted under the proposed reorganization.
- The Trump administration is calling frozen embryos children | Moira Donegan
The Trump administration referred to frozen embryos as 'children' in a document for a grant program promoting frozen embryo adoption. The Department of Health and Human Services called for screening standards for frozen embryo purchasers to match those for parents adopting actual children.
- Hantavirus quarantine ends; no cases in the US
The U.S. hantavirus quarantine has ended with no cases reported domestically, following an outbreak linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship. The CDC confirmed the response concluded on June 24, 2026, after 13 cases (including three deaths) were identified, primarily among passengers evacuated to a Nebraska quarantine facility.
- Hantavirus threat from cruise ship outbreak ends in US, official say
Federal officials confirmed the hantavirus threat from a cruise ship outbreak has ended in the U.S. after a 42-day monitoring period for exposed passengers. No U.S. cases were reported, though over a dozen infections and three deaths occurred globally, none involving U.S. citizens. The Andes strain, which spreads person-to-person, was contained through coordinated monitoring efforts.
- Guest Opinion: Dianne Lewis | When Students With Disabilities Become Invisible: A National Warning and a Local Test
The Pasadena Unified School District Board of Education will vote on its 2026–2029 accountability plan. The federal government has transferred day-to-day management of special education programs from the Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs to the Department of Health and Human Services, while statutory responsibility under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act remains with the Department of Education.
- Your ‘proteinmaxxing’ is creating a whey shortage that’s ratcheting up prices and leaving snack companies to eat costs or make recipes worse
Whey protein prices have nearly doubled due to increased demand for high-protein foods, driven by GLP-1 weight loss drugs and revised dietary guidelines. Companies face supply shortages and must choose between absorbing costs or compromising product quality, as switching to alternative proteins proves challenging due to taste and texture issues.
- A System of Harm: investigating New Hampshire’s disability care program
An investigation by The New Hampshire Bulletin uncovered systemic failures and cases of abuse and neglect in the state’s intellectual and developmental disability care system, which relies on private agencies like Community Bridges. The findings, detailed in a podcast episode, highlight trauma experienced by families and were recognized with a 2026 Livingston Award.
- Trump admin seeks to roll back testosterone restrictions — why docs are conflicted
The Trump administration aims to reverse restrictions on testosterone linked to heart risk warnings introduced in 2015. The Department of Health and Human Services cited recent research suggesting heart risks may be less severe than previously feared.
- Families of kids with disabilities warn Education Department changes could break a flawed system
Families of children with disabilities express concerns that the U.S. Department of Education's transfer of civil rights enforcement and special education oversight to other agencies will exacerbate existing delays and inefficiencies. Parents and advocates warn the shift, part of efforts to dismantle the Education Department, risks creating further chaos in resolving complaints about bullying and discrimination.
- Families of kids with disabilities warn Education Department changes could break a flawed system
Families of children with disabilities warn that the U.S. Education Department's transfer of civil rights enforcement and special education oversight to other agencies could worsen delays in addressing complaints. Parents report unresolved cases, with some waiting over two years for resolutions, and advocates argue the changes risk further system instability.
- Trump Administration Education Secretary addresses major changes for nation's public schools
The Trump Administration Education Secretary announced plans to shift special education functions to the Department of Health and Human Services and education-related civil rights functions to the Department of Justice. Senator Tim Kaine and others have raised concerns about these proposed changes.
- Federal Trade Commission sues leading transgender health group
The Federal Trade Commission and four states sued the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH), alleging deceptive claims about gender-affirming care for minors and failure to disclose treatment side effects. WPATH responded by stating its guidelines prioritize individualized patient care. The lawsuit seeks to block future violations and impose financial penalties.
- Special ed, civil rights to be shifted out of Trump’s shrinking Department of Education
The U.S. Department of Education announced plans to transfer its special education programs and civil rights enforcement to other agencies, including the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Justice, as part of efforts to scale back the department under President Donald Trump's administration. The move follows earlier agreements transferring responsibilities to other federal agencies, with the Education Department stating it will continue fulfilling statutory duties.
- Trump administration will bring special ed to HHS
The Trump administration will transfer special education responsibilities to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The article also mentions STAT’s Morning Rounds newsletter and a podcast episode discussing health care terminology.
- Linda McMahon says she heard parents. Parents say special education changes shows she didn’t listen.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon announced changes to federal special education oversight, moving it to the Department of Health and Human Services and civil rights enforcement to the Department of Justice. Parents and advocates criticized the move, arguing it contradicts their concerns about an already fragmented system and could harm students with disabilities.
- Trump is shifting special ed, civil rights out of Education Department. Here’s what we know
The Education Department is transferring oversight of special education and civil rights to the Justice Department and HHS, aligning with President Trump's goal to dismantle the department. These moves reduce the Education Department's responsibilities, with the Justice Department handling civil rights enforcement and student privacy, and HHS managing special education programs.
- Trump ramps up Education Department's dismantling with changes on special education and civil rights
President Trump's administration is transferring key responsibilities of the Education Department to other agencies, including the Department of Justice for civil rights enforcement and the Department of Health and Human Services for special education oversight. Advocates warn the changes could disrupt services for at-risk students, including those with disabilities and from marginalized communities.
- Special Ed and Civil Rights Oversight Moving Out of Education Department
The Trump administration is moving the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services to the Department of Health and Human Services and the Office for Civil Rights to the Department of Justice. Advocates argue the shift could harm students with disabilities by transferring oversight from education experts to agencies less equipped for non-medical programs.
- Special ed, civil rights to be shifted out of Trump’s shrinking Department of Education
The U.S. Department of Education announced plans to transfer its special education programs and civil rights enforcement to other agencies, including the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Justice. The move is part of President Donald Trump’s administration efforts to scale back federal oversight and return education responsibilities to states.
- Trump shifts civil rights, special education duties from Education Department
President Trump's administration is transferring oversight of special education and civil rights in education from the Education Department to the Department of Justice and the Department of Health and Human Services. The changes have drawn criticism from advocacy groups, who argue they will harm accountability and services for underserved students.
- Trump moves oversight of special education and civil rights out of the Education Department
President Donald Trump's administration transferred oversight of special education to the Department of Health and Human Services and civil rights enforcement in education to the Department of Justice, reducing the Education Department's functions. Advocates and education unions criticized the move, warning it could harm vulnerable students and create uncertainty in services.
- Special ed, civil rights to be shifted out of Trump’s shrinking Department of Education
The U.S. Department of Education announced plans to transfer oversight of special education programs and civil rights enforcement to other agencies, including the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Justice. The move is part of the Trump administration's effort to reduce federal education oversight and shift responsibilities to state and local levels.
- Special ed, civil rights to be shifted out of Trump’s shrinking Department of Education
The U.S. Department of Education announced plans to transfer special education programs and civil rights enforcement to other agencies, including the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Justice, as part of efforts to reduce federal oversight. The move aligns with President Trump’s goal of returning education responsibilities to states.
- Special ed, civil rights to be shifted out of Trump’s shrinking Department of Education
The U.S. Department of Education announced plans to transfer its special education programs and civil rights enforcement to the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Justice, respectively. This move is part of efforts to scale back federal oversight as part of Trump’s administration's agenda to reduce federal involvement in education.
- Trump moves oversight of special education and civil rights out of the Education Department
Trump administration moves oversight of special education and civil rights from the Education Department to the Department of Justice and the Department of Health and Human Services. The changes aim to scale back federal oversight, with the DOJ handling civil rights enforcement and HHS overseeing special education. Advocacy groups criticize the move, warning it will harm underserved students and create uncertainty in services.