RFK Jr fires leaders of group that sets guidelines for preventive healthcare
US Preventive Services Task Force had already been largely sidelined before health secretary fired its two chairs
TL;DR
- The Trump administration fired the two leaders of the US Preventive Services Task Force.
- The task force determines which preventive care services are covered by insurance.
- Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr notified the chairs their appointments were terminated immediately.
- The Department of Health and Human Services had previously sidelined the task force.
- The panel, created in the 1980s, scrutinizes evidence for disease prevention tools and updates guidelines with letter grades.
- Under the Affordable Care Act, most insurance plans must cover preventive services with an 'A' or 'B' grade without co-pay.
- Kennedy cited a review of appointments to ensure clarity, continuity, and confidence in HHS oversight.
- Kennedy previously called the taskforce 'lackadaisical' and aimed to reform it for more frequent meetings and transparency.
- Some health advocates worried about replacing experts with political appointees.
- Former taskforce chair Dr Michael Silverstein described the situation as governmental intrusion into scientific processes.