U.S. Health Policy Update: Autism Research, Drug Pricing, HHS Cuts, and Preventive Care Coverage
This article summarizes key recent developments in U.S. health policy and administration, with a focus on statements and actions by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and President Donald Trump’s administration.
Secretary Kennedy publicly challenged established science on autism spectrum disorder (ASD), dismissing his agency’s research attributing recent autism rate increases primarily to improved screening and established genetic factors. He plans new environmental studies on causes of autism, targeting toxins, though without detailed timeline or evidence. His remarks have drawn criticism from health experts and associations citing a disregard for scientific consensus.
Kennedy’s tenure has also seen tensions with federal agencies, including the FDA, where layoffs and allegations of regulatory capture provoked protests among staff. The American Public Health Association called for his resignation, marking a rare rebuke of a sitting health secretary.
Meanwhile, President Trump's administration issued an executive order targeting drug pricing reforms, with proposals to alter Medicare drug negotiation rules and facilitate importation of drugs from other countries. However, practical challenges remain, including potential resistance from exporters like Canada and possible tariffs on pharmaceuticals investigated by the Commerce Department, which could raise costs and disrupt supply chains.
Budget cuts have notably impacted various HHS programs, including NIH contract staff, CDC laboratories, cruise ship inspections, and poverty level determinations critical for Medicaid eligibility. These cuts risk impairing public health infrastructure and contribute to operational challenges, including in drug approvals and disease surveillance.
New abortion data revealed a slight increase in procedures nationwide, fueled by out-of-state travel and telehealth medication abortions, especially given varying state restrictions post-Roe v. Wade. The report highlights ongoing disparities and fragile access ecosystems.
A related Supreme Court case, Kennedy v. Braidwood Management, is examined, spotlighting challenges to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) appointment processes. The task force’s recommendations guide insurance coverage for preventive services without cost-sharing under the Affordable Care Act. The case raises concerns about potential coverage disruptions if the Court rules the appointments unconstitutional.
Experts note that an adverse ruling could allow insurers to reduce coverage for preventive care, increasing patient costs and deterring usage, with broader public health implications. The case also reflects broader administrative uncertainty about the independence of federal health advisory bodies.
The article includes additional health policy insights and recommended readings on topics such as the implications of increased coal mining on public health, ongoing concerns about infant formula safety and FDA oversight, and the environmental health impacts of PFAS chemicals at military sites.
Overall, the piece underscores ongoing challenges for public health agencies, regulatory clarity, and access to care, highlighting the complex intersection of policy, administration, and scientific evidence in shaping health outcomes and insurance coverage in the United States.