"HHS Overhaul: Streamlining Government or Risking Essential Services?"

This week’s biggest headline out of the Department of Health and Human Services is a sweeping restructuring plan designed to “Make America Healthy Again.” HHS is consolidating 28 divisions into 15, closing half of its regional offices, and reducing its workforce by 20,000 positions, moving from 82,000 to 62,000 employees. HHS officials claim this transformation will streamline government, make the agency more efficient, and save taxpayers $1.8 billion annually, all while keeping critical services like Medicare and Medicaid intact.

A centerpiece of this overhaul is the creation of the new Administration for a Healthy America, which will combine offices focused on chronic disease prevention and behavioral health, such as the Health Resources and Services Administration and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will re-focus on epidemic preparedness and absorb the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response. Meanwhile, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will absorb some functions for older adults and individuals with disabilities, though HHS insists there will be no impact on existing benefits.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the health secretary, said, “This restructuring will make HHS more responsive and efficient, while ensuring that Medicare, Medicaid, and other essential health services remain intact.” However, advocates and experts are voicing concerns. Some warn that closing regional offices—especially those serving 22 states—could limit access for millions, particularly for older adults and people with disabilities. Critics argue that such drastic workforce reductions risk degrading essential functions and making it harder for Americans to obtain the help they need.

On the regulatory front, HHS and the FDA just launched a public comment period inviting citizens, businesses, and stakeholders to suggest which regulations should be eliminated to reduce healthcare costs and burdens on providers. Under President Trump’s new executive order, for every new regulation, at least 10 existing ones must be scrapped, and any new rule must deliver net savings. Public comments are due by July 14, 2025, and HHS will publish annual reports on regulatory costs and savings.

For businesses and organizations, this deregulatory push could mean lower compliance costs and fewer federal requirements, but there’s concern about the potential for confusion and gaps in oversight. State and local governments, especially those in areas losing regional offices, may need to shoulder more responsibilities or find new ways to connect residents to federal services. On the international front, the refocused CDC may strengthen America’s epidemic preparedness but may also reduce broader global health collaborations.

Looking ahead, citizens are encouraged to provide input on the regulation rollback via the HHS Request for Information, with the deadline set for mid-July. HHS promises no further cuts are planned, but continuous efforts to streamline operations could bring future changes. For details or to submit comments, visit hhs.gov or follow HHS on social media. If these changes impact you or your community, now is the time to make your voice heard. Stay tuned for updates as this historic restructuring continues to unfold.