Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is facing backlash over reports that he plans to dismiss all 16 members of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, a federal advisory panel responsible for recommending cancer screenings and preventive services that insurers must cover without charging patients.
The task force provides evidence-based guidance on important screenings like breast and colon cancer, influencing coverage for millions of Americans. The American Medical Association expressed serious concerns, emphasizing the panel’s “critical, nonpartisan role” in helping physicians prevent disease and improve patient health. AMA President Dr. Bobby Mukkamala criticized the move, questioning the reasoning behind dismantling a group whose work has been valuable and nonpartisan. The controversy follows accusations from some conservative outlets labeling the task force as “too woke,” and the scheduled panel meeting has now been postponed.