HHS Restructures, Deregulates, and Expands Dental Care Access

# HHS TODAY: Breaking Down the Latest Health Headlines

[OPENING MUSIC]

Welcome to HHS Today, your weekly dose of health policy news. I'm your host. Let's dive into the biggest headlines from the Department of Health and Human Services.

This week, HHS Secretary Kennedy testified before Congress, defending the department's massive restructuring plan that was announced in March. The transformation, branded as part of making "America Healthy Again," aims to consolidate 28 divisions into just 15 and reduce the workforce from 82,000 to 62,000 employees—a cut of 20,000 positions.

The restructuring creates the new Administration for a Healthy America, which will bring together several offices focused on chronic disease prevention and behavioral health. Meanwhile, the CDC is shifting back to epidemic preparedness, absorbing the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response but losing 1,400 employees in the process.

Regional changes are already underway, with offices in Boston, New York, Chicago, San Francisco, and Seattle now closed. The remaining five regional offices in Atlanta, Dallas, Philadelphia, Denver, and Kansas City will take on expanded territories.

In regulatory news, HHS and FDA issued a Request for Information on May 13th titled "Ensuring Lawful Regulation and Unleashing Innovation to Make Americans Healthy Again." This initiative aligns with the administration's deregulatory approach, requiring at least 10 existing regulations be eliminated for every new one proposed. Public comments are due by July 14th.

On the healthcare access front, CMS has finalized standards allowing states to include routine non-pediatric dental services as Essential Health Benefits. States can update their benchmark plans beginning in 2025, with changes taking effect in 2027. This could significantly improve access to dental care, particularly in underserved communities.

Critics, including patient advocacy organizations, have raised concerns that these structural changes may disrupt services for vulnerable populations, particularly older adults and people with disabilities. The Medicare Rights Center warned that "it is simply impossible to make changes of this magnitude without impeding access to services."

Looking ahead, the U.S. Virgin Islands Committee on Health, Hospitals and Human Services met yesterday to discuss bills related to social work regulation and licensure. Also, the Senate Appropriations Committee is reviewing the President's fiscal year budget proposal for health programs.

For citizens wanting to engage, the public comment period for the deregulation initiative runs through mid-July. Visit HHS.gov for more information on these developments and how they might affect your healthcare.

[CLOSING MUSIC]

That's all for this week's HHS Today. Until next time, stay healthy, America.