The planned July meeting for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has been postponed until late August, an HHS spokesperson told Becker’s.
Six things to know:
1. It is the fourth time the meeting has been delayed. The task force, which typically meets three times a year, previously did not meet in July 2025, November 2025 or March 2026.
2. The task force provides clinical preventive health recommendations to Congress each year and helps determine which preventive medical services insurers must cover for free. The volunteer panel of national experts typically meets three times per year.
3. The HHS spokesperson said the July meeting was postponed due to an “unprecedented” number of nominations for task force membership, to allow more time for selection and onboarding of new members.
4. In an April 16 House Committee on Ways and Means hearing, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. pledged to reform the task force, which he said has been “lackadaisical and negligent for 20 years.” Mr. Kennedy said the task force would meet more frequently and operate with greater transparency, and that he was bringing on new members with “a clear vision.”
5. HHS’ Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality began accepting nominations for task force membership in April, with a May 23 deadline for nominations.
6. The task force, launched in 1984, has historically comprised 16 members. The notice for nominations did not specify how many openings there are, and it is unclear whether new members are being added alongside current ones or if they will be replaced.
In May, Mr. Kennedy removed the task force’s two vice chairs: John Wong, MD, and Esa Davis, MD.
Becker’s has reached out to HHS and will update this story if more information becomes available.
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.