HHS Announces Major Restructuring for Efficiency and Health

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced a significant restructuring initiative aimed at improving efficiency and reducing costs. Under President Trump’s Executive Order on workforce optimization, the HHS plans to cut approximately 10,000 full-time employees, ultimately reducing its workforce from 82,000 to 62,000. This restructuring is expected to save taxpayers around $1.8 billion annually.

The plan involves consolidating HHS's 28 divisions into 15 new ones, which will streamline operations and eliminate redundancy. A new Administration for a Healthy America (AHA) will be established, focusing on critical health issues such as chronic illnesses, safe food, clean water, and reducing environmental toxins. HHS aims to maintain essential services like Medicare and Medicaid throughout this transformation.

Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. emphasized the goal of realigning HHS with its core mission while enhancing responsiveness to the public. This overhaul seeks not just to cut costs but also to enhance the overall service experience for Americans, reaffirming a commitment to improving public health.