RFK Jr. May Remove Top Panel on Preventive Services Task Force

Key TakeawaysRFK Jr. may remove all 16 members of a top health advisory groupThe panel recommends free services like cancer screenings and HIV preventionExperts are concerned this could limit access to important preventive care..MONDAY, July 28, 2025 (HealthDay News) — U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is considering removing all 16 members of an advisory group that helps decide which preventive services, like cancer screenings and HIV medications, should be fully covered by insurance.The group, known as the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, is made up of doctors, nurses and public health experts.They volunteer their time to study the latest research on many health issues, such as diabetes, heart disease, obesity and mental health.Their recommendations help decide what most private insurers must offer at no cost to patients under the Affordable Care Act.Andrew Nixon, spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), said in a statement that “no final decision has been made on how the USPSTF can better support HHS’ mandate to Make America Healthy Again,” according to NBC News.But some experts are worried. Earlier this month, Kennedy postponed a planned task force meeting that was supposed to focus on heart disease.Some members said they were given no explanation, and it’s still unclear if the meeting will be rescheduled.The panel plays an important role in protecting access to free preventive care. The Affordable Care Act requires insurance plans to cover services that receive an A or B grade from the task force.In the past, some of the panel’s decisions have sparked pushback from conservative groups.One example is the panel’s recommendation to provide free access to PrEP, a medication that prevents HIV. That led to a lawsuit from Christian employers, which eventually reached the U.S. Supreme Court.The court voted 6-3 to keep the Affordable Care Act rule in place. However, it also ruled that the health secretary does have the power to oversee and make changes to the task force, including removing and appointing members.Kennedy’s exact plans for the task force and whether certain areas of health care may be targeted are unclear.Kennedy has said that reducing chronic disease in children is one of his top priorities.In June, he fired all 17 members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, another major health group.That group helps the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) decide which vaccines to recommend. He replaced them with eight new members, some of whom are known vaccine critics.More informationLearn more about the role of the United States Preventive Services Task Force.SOURCE: NBC News, July 25, 2025.What This Means For YouIf changes are made to the group that guides free preventive care, services like HIV prevention may lose insurance coverage..Sign up for our weekly HealthDay newsletter

RFK Jr. May Remove Top Panel on Preventive Services Task Force

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