The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is a pivotal federal agency dedicated to enhancing the health and well-being of Americans. Established in 1953, HHS has evolved significantly over the years, playing a crucial role in public health, medical research, and human services.
**Mission and Responsibilities:**
HHS administers a wide range of programs, including health insurance coverage for over 170 million Americans through Medicare, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act. It also supports community health centers, provides medical care to American Indians and Alaska Natives, and addresses specific health needs such as HIV/AIDS and mental health[5]. The department is involved in life-saving research and works closely with other federal departments, state governments, and the private sector to achieve its goals[4].
**History and Achievements:**
Historically, HHS has been instrumental in addressing major public health challenges, such as disease outbreaks and substance abuse. It has also been at the forefront of medical research, particularly through the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
**Current Status:**
In 2025, HHS embarked on a significant reorganization aimed at enhancing efficiency and reducing redundancies. This involves merging several agencies into new entities, such as the Administration for a Healthy America, and consolidating divisions from 28 to 15[2][3]. The restructuring also includes workforce reductions, with a reported decrease of 10,000 employees[6].
**Notable Aspects:**
HHS's FY2025 budget request is $1.802 trillion, with a focus on critical programs like Medicare and Medicaid[10]. The department is also working to protect taxpayer dollars through oversight and enforcement efforts[7]. Its reorganization is expected to save taxpayers $1.8 billion annually[8]. Overall, HHS remains a vital component of the U.S. healthcare system, driving innovation and access to healthcare services.