Federal Policy
CDC Nominee Schwartz Backs Vaccines at Confirmation Hearing
Erica Schwartz, President Trump's nominee to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, voiced support for vaccines, including COVID-19 shots, during her confirmation hearing. Her pro-vaccine position differs from that of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has expressed skepticism about vaccine safety. The hearing did not produce a commitment from Schwartz to maintain independence from Kennedy's influence. If confirmed, Schwartz would oversee federal vaccination policy and public health guidance that affects Medicaid covered populations.
Why it mattersCDC vaccination guidance drives EPSDT requirements, childhood immunization mandates, and adult vaccine coverage policies that Medicaid MCOs must implement and report under HEDIS quality measures.