The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) is the federal agency responsible for protecting the health and well-being of all Americans. While it’s best known for programs like Medicare and Medicaid, HHS also plays a big role in shaping employer responsibilities—especially when it comes to health benefits, privacy, and workplace protections.
What HHS does
HHS oversees dozens of programs and sub-agencies that affect both individuals and employers. Its core mission is to improve public health, advance medical research, and administer key healthcare programs. Some of its main areas of responsibility include:
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Running Medicare and Medicaid programs
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Regulating healthcare providers and health insurance markets
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Enforcing privacy protections for health information through HIPAA
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Overseeing workplace health protections under the Affordable Care Act (ACA)
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Supporting public health initiatives through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
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Advancing medical research via the National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Key agencies within HHS that impact employers
Several divisions of HHS directly affect how businesses operate:
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Office for Civil Rights (OCR): Enforces HIPAA’s privacy and security rules, which apply to employer-sponsored health plans.
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Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS): Regulates health insurance markets and ACA compliance.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Provides workplace health and safety guidance, especially during public health emergencies.
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National Institutes of Health (NIH): Supports research that influences workplace health initiatives and benefits.
Why HHS matters to employers
Even if your business isn’t in healthcare, HHS policies affect you through:
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Health benefits compliance – Ensuring employer-sponsored health plans meet ACA and HIPAA requirements.
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Privacy obligations – Protecting employee health information under HIPAA rules.
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Public health guidance – Following CDC recommendations on workplace safety, from flu outbreaks to COVID-19.
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Preventive care requirements – Covering certain preventive services at no cost to employees as part of health plans.
Common mistakes employers make
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Mishandling employee medical or health benefit information in violation of HIPAA
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Offering health insurance plans that don’t meet ACA minimum requirements
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Overlooking preventive care coverage obligations under HHS regulations
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Ignoring public health guidance that directly impacts workplace safety policies
Penalties for violations
Employers who fail to comply with HHS regulations can face:
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Civil and criminal penalties for HIPAA violations
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IRS penalties tied to ACA noncompliance (administered with HHS oversight)
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Lawsuits from employees for mishandling health benefits
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Reputational harm from failing to protect employee health information or safety
How to stay compliant
- Audit your health plans to ensure they meet ACA and HHS standards.
- Train HR and benefits staff on HIPAA privacy rules.
- Stay updated on CDC workplace safety guidance.
- Provide employees with all required healthcare notices and disclosures.
- Work closely with insurance providers and administrators to ensure compliance.
How Kubera HR Solutions can help
At Kubera HR Solutions, we help employers review health benefits, audit HIPAA compliance, and align workplace policies with HHS regulations. Our team ensures your business stays compliant, avoids costly penalties, and provides employees with the protections and benefits they deserve.