GOP doctors push Kennedy to reform US preventive care task force overhaul

The GOP Doctors Caucus is pushing for changes to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), a group responsible for determining which services health insurance companies must cover free of charge. The caucus, led by Rep. Diana Harshbarger and Rep. Greg Murphy, has raised concerns that the task force may be prioritizing social justice issues over health outcomes.

According to a letter addressed to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the caucus is advocating for greater transparency in decision-making, the inclusion of relevant specialists in the process, and a focus on outcomes rather than divisive social issues. They argue that the USPSTF should be focused on keeping Americans healthy and following the science, rather than getting caught up in political agendas.

The letter also highlights the increase in preventable chronic diseases in the United States since the USPSTF’s authority was expanded in 2010. The caucus believes that the task force should be leading the charge in President Trump’s ‘Make America Healthy Again’ agenda, rather than getting distracted by what they see as “woke distractions.”

This push for changes to the USPSTF comes on the heels of similar concerns raised by Republican senators earlier this month. The senators criticized the task force for straying from its core mission and focusing on issues like health equity over equal access to quality healthcare for all.

While the American Medical Association has opposed an overhaul of the task force, a group of physicians from various organizations have expressed support for potential changes. They argue that new members should bring an ideological balance to the table and develop recommendations based on facts and science.

As discussions about the future of the USPSTF continue, it remains to be seen how the task force will evolve to meet the changing healthcare landscape. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.

Cameron Arcand is a politics writer at Fox News Digital in Washington D.C. Story tips can be sent to Cameron.Arcand@Fox.com and on Twitter: @cameron_arcand