Trump Administration Dismisses Health Group Leaders

The Trump administration has dismissed the two leaders of a significant health group responsible for determining when insurance must cover free preventive services such as mammograms and colonoscopies. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. informed the two doctors leading the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force of their termination on May 11, before the end of their terms.

Previously, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) had already marginalized the task force. Over the past year, scheduled public meetings were postponed indefinitely, delaying important updates on cervical cancer screenings and other vital health topics. Formed in the 1980s, the panel consists of experts who review the latest evidence for various disease prevention tools, including depression screenings and statin usage to prevent heart attacks.

Based on their findings, the panel assigns letter grades indicating the strength of the evidence. According to the Affordable Care Act, insurance plans must cover preventive services graded “A” or “B” without requiring a co-pay. Kennedy’s letters did not specify why Dr. John Wong and Dr. Esa Davis were removed. He acknowledged their leadership and contributions, encouraged them to reapply, and mentioned reviewing appointments to ensure clarity and confidence in HHS oversight.

The New York Times initially reported on the letters. An HHS spokesperson did not provide reasons for the dismissals. Kennedy previously told lawmakers he aimed to reform the task force, labeling it as “lackadaisical,” and wanted it to meet more frequently with greater transparency. The task force conducts public meetings, seeks public comments on draft guidelines, and publishes supportive scientific evidence.

Concerns arose among health advocates that Kennedy might replace the expert panel with politically motivated appointees, as seen with a vaccine advisory committee. Over the past year, the task force was unable to finalize an update to cervical cancer screening guidelines or progress on maternal depression recommendations, noted former task force chairman Dr. Michael Silverstein.

Aaron Carroll from the nonpartisan health policy group AcademyHealth highlighted that the panel’s staggered terms generally allow health secretaries to appoint new members without causing disruption. The Associated Press Health and Science Department acknowledges support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. However, the AP maintains full responsibility for the content.