RFK Jr. Fires Leaders of Preventive Care Panel Tied to No-Cost Health Coverage
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has removed two leaders of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, the federal advisory panel whose recommendations help determine which preventive medical services insurers must cover at no cost to patients.
The dismissals affect Dr. John Wong and Dr. Esa Davis, who served as chair and vice chair of the panel, according to Reuters and Axios. The task force reviews evidence and issues recommendations on screenings, medications, and counseling services, including care tied to cancer prevention, heart disease risk, HIV prevention, and other major health issues.
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The policy stakes are larger than a personnel dispute. Under the Affordable Care Act, many services with USPSTF “A” or “B” ratings must be covered by private insurers without deductibles or co-pays.
HHS has described the firings as administrative, while medical groups and health experts have warned that disruption to the task force could delay or politicize preventive-care recommendations.
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