The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) have announced the establishment of the Healthcare Advisory Committee. This panel of experts will provide guidance on improving the financing and delivery of health care services under Medicare, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and the Health Insurance Marketplace. The committee will report directly to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz.
The primary objective of this committee is to enhance access, accountability, and efficiency across federal health care programs. Secretary Kennedy emphasized the importance of high-quality, affordable care for all Americans, stating, “Every American deserves high-quality, affordable care — without red tape, corporate greed, or excessive costs.” He believes that the committee will leverage the expertise of leading health professionals to achieve these goals and drive significant improvements in the health care system.
Goals and Focus Areas of the Committee
The committee will focus on several key areas aimed at modernizing care delivery and improving health outcomes. According to CMS, the main objectives include:
– **Chronic Disease Prevention and Management**: Promoting strategies to reduce preventable diseases and improve long-term health outcomes.
– **Accountability Frameworks**: Establishing a regulatory structure that prioritizes patient safety and outcomes while minimizing unnecessary administrative hurdles.
– **Real-Time Data Integration**: Utilizing data-driven solutions to streamline claims processing, enhance quality measurement, and reward high-performing health care providers.
– **Medicaid Program Enhancements**: Identifying opportunities to elevate care standards and outcomes for vulnerable populations.
– **Sustainability of Medicare Advantage**: Evaluating methods to modernize risk adjustment and quality measures to ensure the program’s effectiveness and improve patient results.
Nominations and Member Selection
CMS is currently accepting nominations for individuals to join the advisory committee. Candidates with expertise in chronic disease prevention, health care financing, delivery system reform, and data integration are encouraged to apply. Nominations can be submitted by individuals or organizations and must be received within 30 days following the committee’s publication in the Federal Register. The announcement of selected members is anticipated later this year.
The urgency for reform and innovation in federal health programs was underscored by Dr. Oz, who stated, “This is a moment for action. This committee will help us cut waste, reduce paperwork, expand preventive care, and modernize CMS programs with real-time data and accountability, all while keeping patients at the center.”
With the formation of the Healthcare Advisory Committee, HHS and CMS aim to align policy and technology with patient-focused reforms to improve health outcomes. The initiative is also intended to strengthen program integrity and ensure long-term sustainability in the U.S. health care system.
