The American Medical Association has sent a letter to U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. expressing “deep concern” about news reports that he intends to remove all members of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF).
The task force determines what cancer screenings and other preventive health measures insurers must cover.
“USPSTF plays a critical, non-partisan role in guiding physicians’ efforts to prevent disease and improve the health of patients by helping to ensure access to evidence-based clinical preventive services,” the AMA said in its July 27 letter. “As such, we urge you to retain the previously appointed members of the USPSTF and commit to the long-standing process of regular meetings to ensure their important work can continue without interruption.”
WHY THIS MATTERS
The AHA’s July 27 letter comes two days after The Wall Street Journal, citing people familiar with the matter, reported Kennedy was planning to oust all the members of the task force.
An HHS spokesperson reportedly said Friday that Kennedy had not yet made a decision regarding the 16-member U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.
“Importantly,” said the AMA, “the USPSTF puts forth recommendations that dictate coverage policy for health insurers nationwide. By law, insurers must cover USPSTF-recommended services without cost sharing. This means that patients have access to services such as screenings for colon, breast, and lung cancer; screenings for anxiety and depression in children; and screenings and preventive services for cardiovascular disease. Access to these services without cost sharing plays a critical role in keeping patients healthy and reducing the burdens of disease.”
THE LARGER TREND
The USPSTF is a scientifically independent panel of non-federal experts that makes recommendations on clinical preventive services, such as screenings, counseling and preventive medications, to primary care clinicians.
USPSTF recommendations are based on peer-reviewed evidence.
Email the writer: SMorse@himss.org