The Buzz This Week
This week, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported that the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. plans to remove all 16 members of the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). The news comes after Kennedy canceled the panel’s scheduled meeting earlier this month.
The current task force is made up of 16 volunteer clinicians who are experts in preventative medicine and evidence-based research. Members are appointed by the HHS secretary and historically serve staggered terms to prevent a single administration from choosing the full panel.
Last month, in the case of Kennedy v. Braidwood Management, Inc., the Supreme Court of the United States upheld the structure of and manner of appointing members to the task force. The decision also noted that because members are supervised by the HHS secretary, he or she can remove and replace members at will.
The decision to replace the USPSTF, if finalized, would be the second advisory panel under Kennedy’s HHS to be fully dismissed. Less than 2 months ago, all members of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) vaccine advisory committee were fired and replaced with Kennedy’s choices.
The USPSTF has existed since 1984, guiding the federal government on preventive health by reviewing studies and data to determine which interventions are of most value. In 2010, with the passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the task force’s recommendations mandated which preventive services must be covered by most insurance plans at no cost to patients.
Despite widespread support from the medical community for the USPSTF services, some conservative critics have alleged that its recommendations promote “race and gender ideology” within clinical practice. HHS spokesperson Andrew Nixon noted that “no final decision has been made on how the USPSTF can better support HHS’ mandate to Make America Healthy Again.”
Why It Matters
While HHS has not finalized its decision on the future of the USPSTF, the uncertainty has raised concerns among many in the medical community. After HHS canceled the July USPSTF meeting, more than 100 medical groups and associations voiced concerns to lawmakers, noting the importance of the group’s work, and advising protection of the panel.
On Sunday, following the WSJ report, the American Medical Association (AMA) penned a letter reiterating the criticality of the group, noting, “USPSTF plays a critical, non-partisan role in guiding physicians’ efforts to prevent disease and improve the health of patients.”
Primary care providers across the country have stated how vital the group’s recommendations are to providing efficient, quality care. One provider shared he uses “five to 20 guidelines” on every patient he sees, something that would not be possible should he have to pore through the research individually.
Another expert physician noted the level of trust in the recommendations is unparalleled. Many are concerned that replacing all current members could erode confidence in the group, which has served as a primary source of trusted nonpartisan guidance in a world of rapidly changing medical standards.
Coverage of effective preventive care measures currently reduces out-of-pocket costs for many patients. Over 100 million people in the US currently receive at least one preventive service each year at no cost because of USPSTF recommendations. These include interventions such as mammograms and colonoscopies for cancer screening; blood pressure and cholesterol testing for cardiovascular disease; diabetes testing; and screenings for mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders.
If a new task force were to recommend changes to currently covered services, insurers may adjust their coverage of preventive care. As a result, patients may be faced with weighing the financial cost against the potential health benefits before deciding whether to pursue such care. Additional out-of-pocket costs may lead to delays in screenings, ultimately worsening health outcomes, as early detection and intervention are often crucial for effective treatment.
Additionally, USPSTF recommendations play a role in advancing health equity. Following passage of the ACA’s preventive service coverage provisions, cancer screenings and other preventive care measures among lower-income adults and people of color increased. The USPSTF has recently emphasized the importance of a health equity lens in its recommendation process, aiming to recognize and reduce disparities in disease burden and access to care. If this focus on health equity is not maintained, existing disparities could worsen.
As the future of the USPSTF remains in question, many have urged a reaffirmation of the task force’s role. Preserving its integrity and evidence-based approach is essential for supporting providers who rely on its trusted recommendations, maintaining access to preventive services, and advancing a more equitable healthcare system.
RELATED LINKS
The Wall Street Journal:
RFK Jr. to Oust Advisory Panel on Cancer Screenings, HIV Prevention Drugs
American Medical Association:
AMA deeply concerned by reported USPSTF changes
STAT News:
AMA pushes back as RFK Jr. reportedly plans to fire members of preventive care panel
Fierce Healthcare:
RFK Jr. plans to remove all members of US Preventive Services Task Force: WSJ report
