U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra used a Monday stop in Chicago to highlight steps the Biden administration has taken to increase access to healthcare services.  [Health News Illinois]

That includes setting aside over $1 billion dollars to allow those either underinsured or uninsured to be able to access COVID-19 vaccines this fall.

Becerra said at the UnidosUS Annual Conference that they will partner with federally qualified health centers and pharmacies to ensure individuals know they will be able to access vaccines.

“We're gonna go where people are to get their healthcare," he said.

Another area of focus has been the implementation of the 988 lifeline for those experiencing a mental health crisis. Becerra said they have made concerted efforts to recruit multi-lingual individuals to work call centers, specifically those who speak Spanish.

Becerra visited Mount Sinai Hospital earlier in the day to discuss efforts to lower prescription drug costs, as well as to make sure individuals do not lose their Medicaid coverage during redeterminations.

"I'd plead that everyone here in Chicago please work with us to ensure that people who currently have Medicaid don't forget to reapply,” he said.

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