The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced massive HHS layoffs, cutting 10,000 jobs as part of a major restructuring. This follows an earlier round of 10,000 job reductions through early retirements and buyouts. The move, led by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., aims to improve efficiency and reduce costs, but many in the healthcare industry fear it could harm essential services.
Why Is HHS Cutting Jobs?
HHS says the goal of the layoffs is to streamline operations and focus on its core mission. In a press release, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stated:
“We are not just reducing bureaucratic sprawl. We are realigning the organization with its core mission and our new priorities in reversing the chronic disease epidemic.”
The agency insists that Medicare, Medicaid, and other critical healthcare services will not be affected. However, experts are skeptical about how such a large workforce reduction can happen without impacting patient care, provider support, and regulatory oversight.
Concerns Over HHS Layoffs and Office Closures
The restructuring plan will close five of ten regional offices, raising concerns about delays in Medicare approvals, compliance reviews, and provider payments. Attorneys at Arnall Golden Gregory warned that these closures could create bottlenecks in regulatory processes, making it harder for nursing homes, hospitals, and other healthcare providers to get the support they need.
Katie Smith Sloan, president and CEO of LeadingAge, voiced concerns about the layoffs affecting older adults:
“Cutting the staff responsible for carrying out agency and department activities raises obvious questions: How will the work that our members rely on get done?”
The Center for Medicare Advocacy also opposed the move, saying that past government restructuring, like changes to the Social Security Administration (SSA), led to major service delays. The group stated that HHS's claim of restructuring without harming critical services “rings hollow.”
Impact on CDC and Infection Control Efforts
As part of the layoffs, HHS is cutting 2,400 jobs at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This has alarmed healthcare experts, who warn that reducing CDC staff could weaken infection control efforts in nursing homes, hospitals, and long-term care facilities.
The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology has urged HHS to protect the CDC’s Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC). This panel plays a key role in guiding infection control policies that help prevent outbreaks in healthcare settings.
What’s Next for Healthcare Providers?
HHS insists that the restructuring will make the agency more efficient and responsive. However, many healthcare professionals remain skeptical, fearing that HHS layoffs and office closures could lead to delays, reduced oversight, and challenges in accessing care.
With so much uncertainty, nursing homes, hospitals, and healthcare advocacy groups are watching closely to see how these changes will affect patient care, regulatory processes, and provider support.