HHS secretary says $82 billion needed to stay ahead of future pandemic threats

HHS Budget Proposal Boasts Hefty Price Tag for Pandemic Preparedness HHS secretary says $82 billion needed to stay ahead of future threats Shannon Firth medpagetoday

Investments in pandemic preparedness, behavioral health, and maternal health were among the "critical priorities" targeted in the Biden administration's fiscal year (FY) 2023 proposed budget for the Department of Health and Human Services, HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said on Monday.

In total, the Biden administration proposed $127.3 billion in discretionary budget authority and $1.7 trillion in mandatory funding for FY 2023. Highlights of the proposed budget include:

• $81.7 billion over 5 years for pandemic preparedness
• $20.8 billion in discretionary funding for behavioral health programs in FY 2023
• $470 million to reduce maternal mortality in FY 2023
• $20.2 billion in discretionary funding for the Administration for Children & Families early care and education programs
• $397 million for Behavioral Health Workforce Development Programs
• $697 million for 988 (new lifeline to replace the 10-digit National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) and behavioral health services  ...