Appointee Update: Dec. 18, 2024, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Dr. Mehmet Oz
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Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an environmental lawyer, left the Democratic Party to run as an Independent candidate in the 2024 presidential election. Known for focusing on public health and chronic diseases, Kennedy has proposed controversial reforms to federal health agencies and programs, drawing mixed reactions from experts and policymakers.
Kennedy has said he plans to restructure health agencies, including the NIH and the Vaccine Advisory Panel. He has also proposed shifting the Food and Drug Administration's nutritional priorities to promote healthier food standards ranging from stricter SNAP usage to school lunch reform. His stance on ACA reform remains undefined.
Impact on Pennsylvania:
Vaccines: While Pennsylvania mandates school vaccines, Kennedy’s proposals could influence parents to seek exceptions, leading to measles outbreaks and other diseases.
Nutrition Programs: Over two million individuals receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, and over one million students are eligible for low-cost or free lunch. While Kennedy does not have jurisdiction over these policy areas, his stance on chronic disease and nutrition may influence USDA's direction.
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Dr. Mehmet Oz is a heart surgeon-turned-television personality who rose to fame through The Oprah Winfrey Show before launching his program, The Dr. Oz Show. He is known for promoting fad diets and unconventional medical advice. However, he has been nominated to lead CMS, a federal agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
He ran for PA Senate in 2022, losing to Senator John Fetterman. Dr. Oz's nomination has created uncertainty about the future of federal healthcare programs like Medicare and Medicaid. Dr. Oz has been a strong advocate for privatizing Medicare.
Impact on PA:
Medicaid and Medicare: Over three million PA residents are on Medicare. Any change to this program would have far-reaching consequences for seniors and individuals with disabilities.
Nursing Homes: As one of the top five states with the highest number of nursing facility residents, any reduction or change in Medicare reimbursements would significantly impact senior citizens.
Health insurance: Potential ACA changes could increase premiums for thousands of PA residents.
Contributors:
Julie Platt & Brooke Wilford