Federal Policy
HHS Secretary Kennedy Appoints Eight Members to U.S. Preventive Services Task Force
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. appointed eight new members to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force on September 17, 2026, through the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, bringing the panel to 16 total members. The task force issues evidence-based recommendations on clinical preventive services including screenings, counseling, and preventive medications. These recommendations directly affect Medicaid coverage requirements under the Affordable Care Act, which mandates coverage of USPSTF Grade A and B services without cost-sharing for certain populations.
Why it mattersUSPSTF recommendations determine mandatory preventive service coverage requirements for Medicaid expansion populations and influence state Medicaid coverage policies broadly, affecting health plan benefit design and provider reimbursement for screenings and preventive care.
Also covered by:thehill.com