Leaked document outlines HHS cuts to create MAHA-style agency

Isabella Cueto covers the leading causes of death and disability: chronic diseases. Her focus includes autoimmune conditions and diseases of the lungs, kidneys, liver (and more). She writes about intriguing research, the promises and pitfalls of treatment, and what can be done about the burden of disease. You can reach Isabella on Signal at isabellacueto.03.

An internal budget document leaked to the press on Wednesday gives the clearest vision yet of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s planned chronic disease-fighting agency, the Administration for a Healthy America. 

The Office of Management and Budget document, which STAT obtained, has not been authenticated by the Department of Health and Human Services — and would require Congress’ approval to become real — but it sketches out a new HHS. Even after mass layoffs, some divisions would experience even deeper cuts as part of the restructuring, losing programs related to everything from firearm injury to HIV/AIDS treatment, worker safety and chronic diseases. 

The document, labeled “Pre-decisional,” envisions a major budget cut and substantial reorganization at the National Institutes of Health. The NIH budget would drop nearly 40 percent, going from $47 billion budget to $27 billion, and the NIH’s 27 institutes would be consolidated down to just eight.

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