RFK Jr. & Oz Announce New Health Care Advisory Committee | STAT News

WASHINGTON — The Biden administration, through Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. And Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz, has named the members of a new Healthcare Advisory Committee. The group, comprised of leaders from across the healthcare system, is intended to provide expert advice on improving, strengthening, and modernizing U.S. Healthcare financing and delivery. The announcement, made Thursday, follows a period where officials reviewed over 400 candidates, ultimately selecting 18 individuals to aid advance Kennedy’s “Make America Healthy Again” agenda.

The committee’s focus will be on tackling chronic diseases, reducing administrative burdens within the healthcare system, and enhancing care for vulnerable populations. According to a press release from CMS, the members bring expertise across care delivery, financing, innovation, and patient engagement. Oz emphasized the committee’s role in cutting costs, reducing paperwork, and modernizing CMS programs, even as Kennedy highlighted a shift from a “sick care system” to a preventative “health care system.”

A Broad Spectrum of Expertise

The newly appointed committee includes Robert Bessler, Kimberly Brandt, Sebastian Caliri, Stephanie Carlton, David Carmouche, Elizabeth M. Fago, Clive K. Fields, William J. Gassen, Jenni Gudapati, Valerie D. Huhn, Dennis Laraway, Dan Liljenquist, Andrew Lynch, and Ursel J…. (the full list is available in the CMS press release). The diverse backgrounds of these members—ranging from a motivational coach to a venture capitalist with ties to Kennedy’s son—suggest a deliberate effort to bring a wide range of perspectives to the table. This approach reflects a broader strategy to address the complex challenges facing the U.S. Healthcare system.

The formation of this committee builds on earlier efforts to reform patient-centered care. As noted in a August 2025 HHS announcement, the initiative aims to deliver real results, hold the system accountable, and drive forward a mission to improve the nation’s health. The committee’s recommendations will directly inform Secretary Kennedy and Administrator Oz as they perform to improve how care is financed and delivered across Medicare, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and the Health Insurance Marketplace.

The Context of a New Advisory Body

The creation of the Healthcare Advisory Committee is part of a larger trend toward increased federal oversight and reform within the healthcare sector. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and CMS have been actively seeking input from experts to address longstanding issues such as rising healthcare costs, access to care disparities, and administrative inefficiencies. This new committee is intended to serve as a strategic body, providing direct recommendations to the highest levels of the HHS and CMS leadership. As outlined in a report from PALTmed, nominations for committee members were solicited from individuals with expertise in chronic disease prevention, healthcare financing, and delivery system reform.

The emphasis on chronic disease prevention is particularly noteworthy. Chronic diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes, are leading causes of death and disability in the United States, and account for a significant portion of healthcare spending. Addressing these conditions through preventative measures and improved management strategies is seen as a key step toward reducing healthcare costs and improving population health. The committee’s focus on administrative burden also reflects concerns about the complexity and inefficiency of the U.S. Healthcare system, which can create barriers to access and contribute to higher costs.

What So for Patients and Providers

While the immediate impact of the committee’s work remains to be seen, the stated goals suggest a potential for significant changes in the way healthcare is delivered and financed. The focus on patient-centered care implies a greater emphasis on individual needs and preferences, as well as increased patient engagement in decision-making. The commitment to reducing administrative burden could lead to streamlined processes for both patients and providers, making it easier to access care and manage healthcare finances.

However, it’s essential to note that the committee’s recommendations are advisory in nature. It will be up to Secretary Kennedy and Administrator Oz to decide which recommendations to implement. The success of the committee’s efforts will also depend on the willingness of other stakeholders—including Congress, healthcare providers, and insurance companies—to support and implement the proposed changes. The committee’s work is expected to contribute to a broader effort to “Make America Healthy Again,” a central theme of Kennedy’s leadership at HHS.

Looking Ahead: Committee Processes and Timelines

The committee is expected to begin its work immediately, with a focus on developing policy recommendations in the areas of chronic disease prevention, administrative simplification, and care for vulnerable populations. The specific timelines for these recommendations have not yet been announced, but officials have indicated a commitment to moving quickly to address the most pressing challenges facing the healthcare system. The committee will likely hold public meetings and solicit input from stakeholders as it develops its recommendations. Further details about the committee’s activities and meeting schedules will be available on the CMS website.

The establishment of this committee represents a significant step toward reforming the U.S. Healthcare system. By bringing together a diverse group of experts and focusing on key areas of concern, the Biden administration hopes to create a more efficient, affordable, and patient-centered healthcare system for all Americans. Ongoing monitoring of the committee’s progress and the implementation of its recommendations will be crucial to assessing the long-term impact of this initiative.