The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) have announced the formation of the Healthcare Advisory Committee. This expert panel is tasked with advising federal leaders on improving financing and delivery of healthcare under programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and the Health Insurance Marketplace. The committee will report directly to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz.
The primary objective of the committee is to deliver actionable recommendations aimed at enhancing access, accountability, and efficiency across federal healthcare programs. Secretary Kennedy stated, “Every American deserves high-quality, affordable care — without red tape, corporate greed, or excessive costs.” He emphasized that the committee will bring together leading minds in healthcare to ensure real results and accountability in the system.
Goals of the Healthcare Advisory Committee
The committee will focus on several key areas to improve healthcare delivery. These include:
1. **Chronic Disease Prevention and Management**: This involves promoting strategies that aim to reduce the prevalence of preventable diseases and enhance long-term health outcomes.
2. **Accountability Frameworks**: The committee will propose a regulatory structure focused on patient safety and outcomes while aiming to reduce unnecessary administrative burdens.
3. **Real-Time Data Integration**: By leveraging data-driven solutions, the committee seeks to streamline claims processing, enhance quality measurement, and incentivize high-performing healthcare providers.
4. **Medicaid Program Enhancements**: Identifying structural opportunities to elevate care standards for the nation’s most vulnerable populations is a priority.
5. **Sustainability of Medicare Advantage**: The committee will evaluate ways to modernize risk adjustment and quality measures to ensure the program remains effective and improves patient results.
Nomination Process and Urgency for Reform
CMS is currently accepting nominations for membership on the advisory committee. Candidates with expertise in areas such as chronic disease prevention, healthcare financing, delivery system reform, and data integration are encouraged to apply. Nominations must be submitted within 30 days of the committee’s announcement in the Federal Register, and selected members are expected to be announced later this year.
Dr. Oz underscored the urgent need for reform, stating, “This is a moment for action. This committee will help us cut waste, reduce paperwork, expand preventive care, and modernize CMS programs with real-time data and accountability.” He called for experts nationwide to join the initiative, reinforcing the commitment to placing patients at the forefront of healthcare innovations.
The establishment of the Healthcare Advisory Committee represents a significant step by HHS and CMS to align policy, technology, and patient-centered reforms. The goal is to improve health outcomes while ensuring the integrity and sustainability of federal health programs.