HHS Update: Congress Restores Substance Use Funding, CMS Proposes 2027 ACA Changes, and the STREETS Initiative

Welcome to your weekly HHS update, listeners. The biggest headline this week: Congress finalized and President Trump signed the FY 2026 appropriations bill on February 3, funding HHS through September 30 and dodging deep cuts to key programs after intense advocacy[12][4]. This bipartisan win restores funding for substance use disorder grants, blocking the White House's push to eliminate over $800 million, including SAMHSA programs like Building Communities of Recovery[4]. Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. just enhanced his management team to speed up the MAHA agenda, amid a major HHS shakeup as midterms loom[10][2]. He also launched the STREETS initiative, committing $100 million to eight communities tackling addiction and homelessness[4]. On the regulatory front, CMS proposed sweeping changes for 2027 ACA Marketplace plans, tightening eligibility verification to cut improper subsidies while expanding consumer options[15][3]. The bill boosts Community Health Centers to $4.6 billion, extends telehealth flexibilities through 2027—including audio-only and home-based services—and reforms pharmacy benefit managers with transparency rules and rebate pass-throughs starting 2028[5][7]. For American citizens, this means lower Medicare Part D copays—down to $1-3 for low-income folks by 2028—and better rural maternity care reporting with $10 million in grants[5]. Businesses face PBM audits and "any willing pharmacy" rules, easing access but hiking oversight costs[7]. States get relief from delayed Medicaid DSH cuts—slashed from $24 billion to $8 billion, pushed to 2029—plus tools for cross-state provider enrollment[6][9]. No big international ripples here. Secretary Kennedy said, "These enhancements will accelerate President Trump's priorities for healthier Americans[10]." Data shows over $2 billion in behavioral health grants were briefly axed in January but quickly restored thanks to pressure campaigns[4]. Watch for CMS guidance on telehealth best practices by early 2027 and SDP limits by April 2028. Citizens, engage by commenting on the 2027 Marketplace rule via regulations.gov. Stay tuned for implementation updates. For more, visit hhs.gov. Thanks for tuning in—subscribe now! This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease.ai. For more http://www.quietplease.ai Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.