This funding has been primarily used for COVID-19 testing, vaccination, and health projects to respond to COVID and COVID health disparities. It also has been used to support the tracking of emerging diseases and other public health issues (e.g., measles). The cancellation of funding especially has impacts on communities that have fared the worst from the pandemic – low-income communities, people of color, and more. While the public health emergency has ended, COVID continues to impact individuals and communities, having long-lasting effects. The loss of this funding exacerbates those impacts and also undermines efforts to prevent future disease outbreaks.
.png)
Department of Health and Human Services
A written policy statement issued by a government agency or executive official that provides guidance, clarification, or direction on implementing laws or policies. Memos do not have the force of law but can influence policy interpretation and enforcement.
Who It Impacts: Federal agencies, policymakers, and sometimes regulated industries. Memos can shape how agencies enforce laws, impacting businesses, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders.
Who Is Not Impacted: Memos do not create binding legal requirements for the general public, though they can influence enforcement priorities that indirectly affect individuals and organizations.
Date Enacted
March 25, 2025
Last Updated
December 10, 2025
Policy Type
Public Health
Healthcare Delivery, Services & Quality
Global Health
Summary
The Department of Health and Human Services issued a statement to cancel the $11.4 billion in supplemental COVID-19 funding previously issued to state and local public health departments for pandemic response. As a result of lawsuits, approximately 80% of funding has been restored to 23 states. The remaining states have not had their funding restored.
Impact Analysis
Take Institutional Action
- Partner with community health centers, community health workers, care navigators, and other organizations to support addressing COVID and COVID-related disparities.
- With the absence of funding, it may be more difficult to get information on COVID, vaccinations, and other public health efforts to those who need it. Support efforts to outreach to impacted communities through partnering with trusted messengers, creating social media posts, and other outreach material.
- Where possible, collaborate with agencies in states that have not had their funding restored. Share information, materials and strategies that may be used to increase public health reach and reduce duplication of efforts.
Associated or Derivative Policies
N/A
Policy Prior to 2025
N/A
