Department of Health and Human Services

Florida reported a record 2,345 deaths from COVID-19 this week, an increase of 618 over last week.

The HHS inspector general recommended that Suncoast Hospice refund to the federal government the portion of the $47.36 million that is within a four-year “claims reopening period.”

The dispute stems from a decision by the HHS “disallowing” Medicaid reimbursements from July 1, 2006 to June 30, 2013, according to the lawsuit filed in federal court in South Florida.

If the report by the HHS Office of Inspector General is sustained, Humana could face a record penalty for overcharges in a Medicare Advantage plan.

The new deal effectively doubles the federal government's order from the company. Pfizer said the U.S. government has agreed to pay $1.95 billion for the additional doses.

The Federal Communications Commission unanimously OK'd the proposal, which would allow callers in crisis to reach a national mental health support network simply by dialing 988.

A court settlement limits how long the government can detain immigrant minors. Administration officials say that facilities that hold the minors are only temporary.

Overdose deaths started to level off near the end of 2017 and are "finally bending in the right direction," says Alex Azar, secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, citing early data.

Migrant families will be housed at Fort Bliss, an Army base outside El Paso, NPR's Tom Bowman reports. Unaccompanied migrant children will be housed at Goodfellow Air Force Base, outside San Angelo.