HHS Chief RFK Jr. Fires Leaders Of U.S. Preventive Care Panel
On May 11, 2026, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. fired Dr. John Wong and Dr. Esa Davis as chairs of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, which sets preventive-care coverage rules.[1]
HHS has postponed the panel's public meetings indefinitely for about a year, blocking final updates on cervical cancer screening and other topics.[1] Kennedy told lawmakers he was reforming what he called a "lackadaisical" task force, but former members said the firings mark unprecedented government intrusion into its scientific processes.[1]
The task force issues letter-graded recommendations that determine which preventive services private health plans must cover without co-pays under the Affordable Care Act.[1] Chairs normally serve fixed terms and operate with scientific independence, and former members say removing chairs before their terms ended breaks that norm.[1] Advocates warn the move could delay coverage decisions for screenings such as mammograms and colonoscopies.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- On May 11, 2026, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. sent letters firing Dr. John Wong and Dr. Esa Davis as chairs of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force before their terms ended.
- The task force’s letter-graded recommendations determine which preventive services, such as mammograms and colonoscopies, private health plans must cover without co-pays under the Affordable Care Act.
- HHS has indefinitely postponed the panel’s public meetings for roughly a year, blocking final updates on cervical cancer screening and other topics.
- Kennedy told lawmakers he is reforming what he called a "lackadaisical" task force, though former members say the firings mark unprecedented government intrusion into its scientific processes.
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