Health & Human Services

Why Address Confidentiality Programs Are Broken and How We Can Fix Them

COMMENTARY | To protect the privacy of at-risk people requires better regulations limiting data collection, stronger consumer rights and scalable solutions for removing personal information from the internet.

More States OK Postpartum Medicaid Coverage Beyond Two Months

At least eight states are moving to provide health coverage for up to a year after pregnancy under the program.The decisions to join 33 other states and Washington, D.C., come as policymakers recognize that the U.S. is in a maternal health crisis.

Federal Covid Changes Helped Feed Twice as Many Kids During Summer

Some advocates say the summer feeding programs could be more flexible even when there’s not a national emergency.

Senate Passes Debt Ceiling Bill, Approves New Work Requirements for Benefits

States will have to meet stricter rules for those receiving food stamps and welfare assistance. Some worry it will actually hamper states’ ability to help people get back to work.

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New Tools Help State and Local Governments Battle Ransomware, Other Big Disasters

When governments find themselves being ransomed, their choices are typically to pay, which will undercut their ability to deliver key services to their communities due to budget restrictions, or not pay, resulting in the immediate inability to serve their communities and the loss of key data that will inevitably plague them for years afterwards.

Most People Who Inject Drugs Test Positive for Fentanyl

COMMENTARY | In a yearlong study, researchers found that a significant share of people in New York City who thought they were using heroin or another drug were actually using the illicit synthetic opioid.

The Pros and Cons of the Debt Deal for States and Localities

The deal doesn’t claw back billions of dollars promised under the infrastructure and climate laws, but it does keep federal spending flat and adds work requirements for food stamp recipients.

7% of the United States Is a ‘Play Desert’

COMMENTARY | Many of the counties lacking access to play areas were clustered in the Southeast and Southwest, and were most common in rural and suburban areas throughout the country.

New Initiative Will Help Cities Reduce Homelessness

The program will “embed” federal officials in six cities to help local officials get people off the streets and into homes more quickly.

With Summer Coming Fast, Regulator Warns of Electric Reliability Issues

A huge share of the continent could be in for a summer of electricity shortages in the event of severe, long-lasting heat.

State Lawmakers Eye Forced Treatment to Address Overlap in Homelessness and Mental Illness

Democratic politicians in California and Oregon are reconsidering the restrictions of involuntary commitment laws. They argue that not helping people who are seriously ill and living in squalor on the streets is inhumane.

One County’s Choice to Use Opioid Funds to Pay Off Debt

Greene County, Tennessee, so far has received more than $2.7 million from regional and national settlements with opioid manufacturers and distributors. But most of the money is not going to help people and families harmed by addiction.

Mental Health Statistics Reveal a Crisis in America

County officials are asking Congress for more funding and to change a pair of Medicaid rules that will allow governments to provide more mental health services.

AGs Urge Action on Households' Invisible Plastic Waste

In a letter, 17 Democratic state attorneys general called on the federal government to address "microfibers," the tiny bits of plastic most clothing sheds in washing machines.

The Fight to Reverse Increasing Maternal Mortality Rates

The U.S. has some of the highest mortality rates in the world. A study in North Carolina found approaches that are making a difference.

How to Ensure Millions of Children Don’t Lose Medicaid Coverage Erroneously

COMMENTARY | More than 5 million children could lose their Medicaid benefits during the public health emergency’s Medicaid “unwinding.” The U.S. has the data and experience to prevent this.

States Should Improve Opportunities for Older Youth in Foster Care Systems

An Annie E. Casey Foundation report said more investments are needed toward job training, post-secondary education and stable housing for those in foster care between the ages of 14 and 21.

More Than 72,000 Lose Medicaid Coverage in Arkansas

Thousands of children lost coverage in the state's effort to update enrollment—a process taking place nationwide as states review the eligibility of millions of Medicaid enrollees following the public health emergency.

Legal Pot Is More Potent Than Ever—And Still Largely Unregulated

As marijuana has become far more mainstream, potent and sometimes dangerous, uneven regulation at the state and federal levels leaves consumers at risk.

States Take Up Bills to Confront Youth Homelessness

From couch surfing to living in the streets, it is easy to overlook young people experiencing homelessness. That’s changing.

New Data Sheds Light on Impact of Expanded SNAP Benefits on Households

A Census survey found that 1 in 4 households where enhanced food aid ended March 1 now report “sometimes” or “often” not having enough to eat.