1A (dot) Gov: Health and Human Services, The Federal Workforce, And RFK Jr.
Jan 8, 2025
Julie Rovner, Chief Washington correspondent for KFF Health News, Dan Diamond, National health reporter for The Washington Post, and Samuel Bagenstas, former general counsel of HHS, dive into the complexities of the Department of Health and Human Services. They discuss the potential impacts of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s appointment as secretary, including changes to vaccine policy and funding. They also explore the implications of Medicare privatization, vaccine confidence, and the role of dedicated public servants in shaping health policy amid political challenges.
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HHS's Unseen Impact
- HHS operates largely in the background, ensuring safe food, drugs, and healthcare access.
- Its effectiveness is often unnoticed, like public health measures.
HHS's Unique Role
- HHS programs, often preventative, lack private sector equivalents.
- Eliminating public sector involvement leaves a critical gap in these services.
RFK Jr.'s Proposed HHS Changes
- RFK Jr. aims to reduce private industry reliance within HHS and expose conflicts of interest.
- He also seeks to diminish pharma's influence and regulate their advertising.