Kennedy fires heads of task force that sets insurance coverage rules
Summary
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. fired the two co-chairs of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, a panel that decides which health services must be covered by insurance without costs to patients. This change comes as new members are being considered for the task force, which influences insurance coverage rules under the Affordable Care Act.Key Facts
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is the current Health Secretary.
- He removed John Wong and Esa Davis, the co-chairs of the Preventive Services Task Force.
- Wong’s appointment was supposed to last until March 2027; Davis’s until March 2028.
- The dismissals were said to be administrative, not related to their job performance.
- The task force advises which preventive health services insurance must cover without copays.
- The Supreme Court confirmed Health Secretary’s power to remove and replace task force members.
- New member applications for the task force recently opened and close soon, with terms starting in June.
- Experts worry these changes may increase political influence over health coverage recommendations.
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