HHS withdraws 340B drug rebate pilot program

Reforms pending at USPSTF, plus, FDA rejects promising melanoma drug for the second time

The Cancer Letter’s coverage of HHS-led overhauls of foundational scientific institutions continued last week with two unrelated stories pointing to continued disarray amongst public health leadership.

May 06, 2026

By adding specialists to USPSTF, Kennedy would reshape the functioning and decisions of the influential health panel
Ransohoff: “The task force’s job is to describe the evidence fairly, and that’s done best with objective, detached methodologists”

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is moving to overhaul the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, a highly influential panel that determines which preventive services insurers must cover and guides routine medical care for millions of Americans.

May 01, 2026

Vol.52 No.17

By Claire Marie Porter

Cancer Policy

CDC’s recommendation to delay infant hepatitis B shot is likely to raise infections, JAMA studies show

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, or ACIP, voted in December to rescind its recommendation that all newborns receive a hepatitis B virus vaccine dose within 24 hours of birth.

May 01, 2026

Vol.52 No.17

By Claire Marie Porter

Cancer Policy

Kennedy hints at intended USPSTF reforms at Senate Finance Committee hearing

At the Senate Finance Committee hearing on April 22, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. hinted at how he intends to reform the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, a highly respected, independent organization that weighs evidence to make recommendations on screening for diseases.

April 24, 2026

Vol.52 No.16

By Claire Marie Porter

Cancer Policy

Senators press Kennedy to release details on Most Favored Nation drug deals

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testified before two Senate committees on April 22 as part of a final “blitz” of congressional budget hearings.

April 24, 2026

Vol.52 No.16

By Claire Marie Porter

Cancer Policy

CMS proposed rule would implement electronic prior authorization requirements for covered drugs in federal health plans

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services issued the 2026 CMS Interoperability Standards and Prior Authorization for Drugs proposed rule, which aims to shorten care delays and improve transparency within federal health insurance programs by establishing electronic prior authorization, or ePA, requirements for covered prescription drugs and expedite federal response deadlines to ensure patients receive life-critical medications without administrative delay.

April 17, 2026

Vol.52 No.15

By Jacquelyn Cobb

HHS withdraws 340B drug rebate pilot program

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Reforms pending at USPSTF, plus, FDA rejects promising melanoma drug for the second time

By adding specialists to USPSTF, Kennedy would reshape the functioning and decisions of the influential health panel
Ransohoff: “The task force’s job is to describe the evidence fairly, and that’s done best with objective, detached methodologists”

CDC’s recommendation to delay infant hepatitis B shot is likely to raise infections, JAMA studies show

Kennedy hints at intended USPSTF reforms at Senate Finance Committee hearing

Senators press Kennedy to release details on Most Favored Nation drug deals

CMS proposed rule would implement electronic prior authorization requirements for covered drugs in federal health plans

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HHS withdraws 340B drug rebate pilot program

YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN

Reforms pending at USPSTF, plus, FDA rejects promising melanoma drug for the second time

By adding specialists to USPSTF, Kennedy would reshape the functioning and decisions of the influential health panelRansohoff: “The task force’s job is to describe the evidence fairly, and that’s done best with objective, detached methodologists”

CDC’s recommendation to delay infant hepatitis B shot is likely to raise infections, JAMA studies show

Kennedy hints at intended USPSTF reforms at Senate Finance Committee hearing

Senators press Kennedy to release details on Most Favored Nation drug deals

CMS proposed rule would implement electronic prior authorization requirements for covered drugs in federal health plans

Never miss an issue!

Login

By adding specialists to USPSTF, Kennedy would reshape the functioning and decisions of the influential health panel
Ransohoff: “The task force’s job is to describe the evidence fairly, and that’s done best with objective, detached methodologists”