More than $558M awarded to address maternal and infant health, child development
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced this week more than $558 million in funding to improve maternal health. The funding includes more than $440 million, awarded by HHS’ Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), to implement maternal, infant, and early childhood home visiting services for eligible families across the country.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will invest the remaining $118.5 million over five years to continue developing the public health initiative to address the ongoing maternal health crisis, including research on pregnancy-related deaths.
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In 2022, President Biden signed bipartisan legislation that doubles funding for the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting program over five years, marking the first expansion of the federal home visiting program in nearly 10 years.
The program allows local organizations to provide home visits from nurses, social workers, and other trained health workers who work with families on early and ongoing engagement in prenatal care and postpartum support. The home visits offer support with breastfeeding, safe sleep practices for babies, learning and communication that encourage early language development, developmental screening, getting children ready to succeed in school, and connecting families with services and resources in the community, such as affordable childcare or job and educational opportunities.
HHS said the awards reflect the first opportunity for states and jurisdictions to receive federal matching funds in addition to their base grants. Every single state and U.S. territory has seen an increase in funding to their home visiting program since the start of the Biden administration.
“Bringing home a baby can be stressful. Many new parents face additional challenges such as housing, or income insecurity, which can make the whole situation even more daunting. But we know from decades of research that home visits work–from helping with school readiness and achievement for children to improving health for women,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra in a statement. “President Biden and Vice President Harris know how important it is to support children in their most crucial years of development so they can grow up to be healthy, happy adults. We will continue to make resources and support available, and elevate maternal health issues so that more women and families know that help is available.”
$65M in grant funding to address mental health, substance use issues
HHS, through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), also announced this week more then $65 million in grant awards and notices of funding opportunity to address the mental health and substance uses crises.
A portion of the funding, $27.5 million, will be designated to the Strategic Prevention Framework- Partnerships for Success program, which aims to help Tribes, state and local governments, and colleges and universities establish substance use prevention services.
The additional grant funding will be used to support children with unmet behavioral health needs, improve access to behavioral health care for those struggling with or at risk of housing issues, and develop the behavioral health workforce.
“We must continue to do everything in our power to help Americans who are struggling with mental health and substance use challenges. By increasing access to treatment and support in many different forms, we continue to strengthen communities nationwide,” said Becerra in a statement. “President Biden and Vice President Harris’ Unity Agenda is helping solve big challenges that impact all Americans. The progress we make benefit everyone, no matter where you are across this nation.”
$100M to navigators to help consumers in underserved communities
The Biden administration has awarded $100 million to ‘navigators’ across the country helping underserved communities, consumers, and small businesses find and enroll in health coverage through HealthCare.gov, the Health Insurance Marketplace®.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will award the grants ahead of this year’s marketplace open enrollment, which begins November 1. The awards will go to 44 navigator grantees in states using HealthCare.gov.
Navigators provide free support to people exploring health coverage options through HealthCare.gov, such as reviewing available plans, assisting with eligibility and enrollment forms, and post-enrollment services including using their coverage to get care. They can also assist with enrolling in or renewing Medicaid and CHIP coverage.
“Everyone in this Administration believes health care is a fundamental right for all, not a privilege for the few,” said CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure in a statement. “We continue to put weight behind that promise by ensuring the millions who still need coverage know affordable options are available. Having access to trusted local partners is key to improving access to health services, particularly for those who just need a little extra help to understand the critical lifeline available through the ACA Marketplace and how to choose the best plan to meet their needs.”