Consolidation and Restructuring of HHS Agencies Underway

As part of his “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) platform, HHS Secretary Robert F Kennedy, Jr announced his initial plans to reduce perceived waste and inefficiencies within the Department, which includes an additional reduction in personnel by 10,000 FTEs, purportedly saving taxpayers $1.8 billion annually. In addition, the previous 28 divisions within HHS will be reduced to 15 newly restructured and repurposed divisions. The plans establish the Administration for a Healthy America (AHA), which will combine multiple agencies including the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health (OASH), Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) as one entity.  Meanwhile, a MAHA caucus has been established in both the House and Senate to align legislative efforts with the Secretary’s societal health goals, including improving access to primary care and nutritious food sources.