Secretary Priorities
Secretary Azar has identified four priorities for HHS, to focus the Department’s work to improve the health and well-being of the American people.
HHS is committed to ending the crisis of opioid addiction and overdose in America.
HHS is working to improve the availability and affordability of health insurance.
HHS is determined to lower the costs of prescription drugs for all Americans without discouraging innovation.
HHS is working to transform our system to one that pays for value.
The Opioids Crisis
Each day, 116 Americans die of opioid-related drug overdoses. HHS and the entire federal government are committed to ending the crisis of opioid addiction and overdose in America, and the Department has formulated a five-point strategy to stop the epidemic.
Secretary Azar has named Admiral Brett P. Giroir, M.D., Assistant Secretary for Health, to serve as Senior Advisor to the Secretary for Mental Health and Opioid Policy, to coordinate efforts across the department on the opioid crisis.
The Opioid Crisis: The Latest
Health Insurance Reform
HHS is working to improve the availability and affordability of health insurance. All Americans should have access to personalized healthcare that meets their individual needs and budgets.
Secretary Azar has named James Parker to serve as Senior Advisor to the Secretary for Health Reform, to coordinate efforts across the department on the cost and availability of insurance.
Health Insurance Reform: The Latest
Drug Pricing
Lowering the price of prescription drugs for all Americans without discouraging innovation is a top priority for HHS.
Drug Pricing: The Latest
Value-Based Care
Americans deserve better, cheaper healthcare. HHS is working to transform our system from one that pays for procedures and sickness to one that pays for outcomes and health, focusing on four areas:
- Maximizing the promise of health IT, including through promoting interoperability.
- Boosting transparency around price and quality.
- Pioneering bold new models in Medicare and Medicaid.
- Removing government burdens and barriers, especially those impeding care coordination.
