HHS Implements Major Restructuring with 10,000 Layoffs

The Department of Health and Human Services begins consolidating divisions and cutting staff, drawing criticism over potential impacts on public health services.

HHS has started implementing a restructuring plan, reducing its workforce from 82,000 to 62,000 through 10,000 layoffs and 10,000 voluntary departures.
The department is consolidating its 28 divisions into 15, including the creation of the new Administration for a Healthy America (AHA) to centralize and streamline operations.
Key agencies like the FDA, CDC, and NIH will experience significant staff reductions, with 3,500, 2,400, and 1,200 positions cut, respectively.
HHS claims the changes will save taxpayers $1.8 billion annually and will not impact critical services like Medicare, Medicaid, or FDA reviews.
Critics, including public health experts and lawmakers, warn the cuts could disrupt essential services, weaken public health infrastructure, and harm vulnerable populations.