Health Secretary Kennedy Jr. adds eight new members to key health committee By Reuters

U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. named eight new members to the Preventive Services Task Force on Thursday, the advisory panel that determines which preventive care—such as routine cancer screening and HIV prevention—should be covered at no cost under health insurance plans. The task force last met a year ago and typically holds three meetings annually with 16 members. AMA president Willie Underwood said the new lineup is a “significant departure,” while stressing the need for a transparent, rigorous and independent scientific process and a strong primary-care voice. Kennedy has reshaped several federal advisory groups, including replacing the CDC vaccine committee last year, following Supreme Court affirmation of his authority. The panel’s November meeting was canceled due to a 2025 shutdown, while March was also postponed. New appointees include specialists such as Seth Corey, Patrick Hunter, Ronald Karlsberg, and others.