ah situation report

In today’s issue, we highlight the health sector’s unified response to the HHS reorganization, emphasizing potential risks to vulnerable populations and crucial research funding; the essential role of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) in health system innovation; and Senate Republicans' efforts to soften Medicaid cuts in the tax plan. We also cover the Trump administration's concerning cuts to HIV and misinformation research grants and safety issues stemming from a conservative group targeting federal DEI employees.  

We recognize that recent developments outlined in this edition may be causing feelings of anxiety and stress among many of our readers. Please know that AcademyHealth is committed to providing support and resources to help navigate these challenging times. If you're looking for a way to channel your anxiety into action, we invite you to join us in advocating for AHRQ via our updated toolkit. By engaging with this resource, you can play an active role in supporting essential health care initiatives and making a positive impact. 

In today’s issue: 

  • Health Sector Unites to Raise Concerns about HHS Reorganization 
  • AHRQ’s Role as a Catalyst for Health System Transformation, Innovation, and Improvement  
  • Senate Republicans Push to Soften Medicaid Cuts in Tax Plan 
  • Trump Administration Targets HIV and Misinformation Research Grants 
  • Conservative Group Targets Federal DEI Employees, Sparking Safety Concerns 
  • ICYMI: Opportunities to Share Your Story with Press 

Health Sector Unites to Raise Concerns about HHS Reorganization 

Organizations and professional associations from across the health care field have released statements critical of the reorganization of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. on Thursday. AcademyHealth tracked at least 40 different statements from medical and health care professional associations, public health and research organizations, patient and consumer advocacy groups, as well as disability and aging advocacy groups. There are serious concerns about the long-lasting impact that this decision will have for patients, particularly those in vulnerable populations such as older adults or individuals with disabilities. AcademyHealth echoed these concerns, highlighting how the merger of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) with the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE) could jeopardize essential health research funding and patient care initiatives. 

In addition, HHS's planned cuts to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will result in the termination of 300 federal workers, with 30 from the Office of Minority Health and 200 from the Office of Program Operations and Local Engagement. This move is viewed as an ongoing effort by the White House to roll back initiatives aimed at addressing health disparities as these cuts follow previous actions taken by the Trump administration, including halting requirements for addressing equity gaps and disbanding related advisory committees.  

Media coverage of the announcement included concerns around the lack of transparency and stakeholder engagement, a central issue raised by AcademyHealth. Other areas of concern include potential service disruptions caused by a significant reduction in workforce, as well as the preservation of research and innovation. Additionally, the consolidation of various functions under centralized control, including the creation of the Assistant Secretary of Enforcement role, has sparked fears of increased political interference in public health operations. Experts and career scientists worry that such centralization may undermine the independence and effectiveness of health agencies. 

AHRQ was mentioned specifically in the following media stories:  

AcademyHealth calls for immediate clarity and action to preserve AHRQ's critical role. Read the full statement here and join us in our advocacy with our updated toolkit here.  

On the AcademyHealth Blog: AHRQ’s Role as a Catalyst for Health System Transformation, Innovation, and Improvement 

The newest post in AcademyHealth’s blog series on the value of AHRQ highlights the agency’s impact on HSR and health systems. AHRQ plays a critical role in health services research and policy by helping health system decision-makers stay informed of patterns and trends, nimble in anticipating future needs, and responsive in providing quality care for patients across the U.S. Learn more in “More than a Funder: AHRQ’s Role as a Catalyst for Health System Transformation, Innovation, and Improvement.” 

Senate Republicans Push to Soften Medicaid Cuts in Tax Plan 

Senate Republicans are working to scale back Medicaid cuts in the House GOP’s tax plan, aiming to ease concerns from members worried about public backlash. While fiscal conservatives want deep spending reductions to offset the $4.5 trillion tax cut package, Senate leaders are leaning toward a more flexible approach—potentially delaying tough decisions on Medicaid and other programs. The debate underscores a broader GOP struggle: defining what constitutes fraud, waste, and abuse in Medicaid to justify reductions. With key senators from Medicaid-heavy states expressing reservations, the party faces internal divisions over how much to cut and how to sell it to voters. 

Trump Administration Targets HIV and Misinformation Research Grants 

The Trump administration has slashed dozens of NIH-funded research projects, including 65 focused on HIV prevention and treatment, with scientists warning the cuts could reverse decades of progress. Many of the defunded studies targeted improving access to life-saving drugs like PrEP in communities with high infection rates. Meanwhile, the administration has also begun identifying NIH grants related to health misinformation. Public health experts warn that eliminating these studies will make it harder to combat both infectious diseases and the spread of false health information, potentially harming millions. 

Conservative Group Targets Federal DEI Employees, Sparking Safety Concerns 

The American Accountability Foundation, a conservative group, has been publishing the names and photos of federal employees involved in DEI initiatives. After expanding its list to include employees at HHS, the group added around 40 names in February and created a tip line for public submissions. Now, it’s considering targeting the Department of Defense next. The employees listed report fearing for their safety, while public health experts warn that weakening DEI efforts could undermine progress in addressing health disparities. 

If you or someone you know is listed, it's important to take immediate steps to ensure personal safety and protect professional reputation: 

  1. Ensure Safety: Contact local law enforcement or security experts if necessary and remain vigilant. 
  2. Secure Online Presence: Adjust privacy settings and monitor your online mentions to limit personal exposure. 
  3. Report to Employer: Inform your employer about the situation and seek support if needed. 
  4. Document Everything: Keep a record of any threats or harmful communications. 
  5. Seek Legal Advice: Consult with a lawyer if defamation or harassment is a concern. 
  6. Join Support Networks: Connect with advocacy groups or colleagues for support. 

ICYMI: Opportunities to Share Your Story with Press 

Several media outlets are soliciting stories of how HHS reorganization is affecting people, including KFF Health News, STAT News, and ProPublica. 

Previous Updates 

This is the latest in a series of Situation Report updates from AcademyHealth. You can find prior issues here.  

We’re pleased to offer this work as a free resource, and if you’d like to support our efforts to keep it going, we’d truly appreciate your donation. You can contribute here. Thank you for your support! 

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