Robert F Kennedy Jr. says HHS restructuring will layoff 10K, save $1.8B annually

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has recently made a major announcement regarding a significant restructuring that will result in the layoff of approximately 10,000 full-time employees. This move is expected to save taxpayers a substantial $1.8 billion annually. The decision comes in response to President Donald Trump’s executive order to implement the “Department of Government Efficiency Workforce Optimization Initiative.”

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. described this restructuring as a “dramatic overhaul” aimed at realigning the organization with its core mission and new priorities, particularly in addressing the chronic disease epidemic. Kennedy emphasized that this initiative will not only reduce bureaucratic sprawl but also enable the department to do more at a lower cost to taxpayers.

The department anticipates a total downsizing of between 82,000 to 62,000 full-time employees when combining this recent effort with early retirement and the results of the Fork in the Road program, which offers deferred resignation with full pay and benefits until September.

The restructuring plan involves consolidating the 28 divisions of HHS into 15 new divisions, including a new Administration for a Healthy America (AHA). Core functions such as Human Resources, Information Technology, Procurement, External Affairs, and Policy will be centralized, and five of the 10 regional offices will be closed down.

The primary goal of this reorganization is to focus on ending America’s epidemic of chronic illness by emphasizing safe, wholesome food, clean water, and the elimination of environmental toxins. The AHA will serve as a unified entity encompassing various offices and administrations within HHS, including the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health, Health Resources and Services Administration, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

Additionally, the restructuring aims to strengthen the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by transferring the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) to the CDC. This will enhance the CDC’s capacity to protect Americans from health threats, particularly in times of national disaster and public health emergencies.

The announcement also includes the creation of a new Assistant Secretary for Enforcement to combat waste, fraud, and abuse in federal health programs. Critical programs supporting older adults and individuals with disabilities will be integrated into other HHS agencies, ensuring that Medicare and Medicaid services remain unaffected by these changes.

Overall, the HHS restructuring is a comprehensive effort to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and refocus on key priorities in public health. The department is confident that these changes will not only benefit taxpayers but also enhance the effectiveness of federal health programs in serving the American public.