RFK Jr. Reportedly Weighs Preventive Services Panel Revamp, Raising Risks for HIV PrEP Drugmakers

RFK Jr., as Secretary of Health and Human Services, is reportedly considering overhauling the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), the independent expert panel that recommends which preventive services insurers must cover, such as HIV PrEP and cancer screenings135.

Analysts warn that this potential revamp could threaten the required insurance coverage of HIV prevention drugs like PrEP, putting drugmakers in the HIV space at financial risk1.

A recent U.S. Supreme Court decision upheld the panel's work but affirmed Kennedy's authority to ignore its recommendations and replace its members4.

Health advocates express concern that these moves could disproportionately harm vulnerable populations, especially Black communities, by reducing access to important preventive healthcare services4.

Providers report increased patient fears and lower clinic attendance amid political uncertainty, with a notable impact on preventive service uptake4.

If the USPSTF's recommendations are weakened or the panel is dismissed, insurers could be less likely or no longer required to cover preventive drugs and screenings, potentially increasing disease burden and costs for patients35.

Sources:

1. https://www.fiercepharma.com/pharma/rfk-jr-reportedly-weighing-preventative-services-task-force-revamp-hiv-prep-drugmakers-could

3. https://www.statnews.com/2025/07/28/rfk-jr-hhs-fire-members-uspstf-preventive-services/

4. https://capitalbnews.org/rfk-jr-public-health-misinformation/

5. https://www.aol.com/rfk-jr-looks-boot-panel-181024159.html