The recent shutdown of federal agencies highlights the ongoing battle for health accessibility, with new priorities arising under the second Trump administration. Health scenarios in the U.S. appear to be in turmoil, according to prominent health authorities and lawmakers.
During The Hill’s Health Next Summit on Tuesday, various health policy experts and lawmakers shared insights on the trajectory of U.S. public health, discussing immediate threats and opportunities.
This discussion comes in the wake of a government shutdown—the first in years—as Democrats push for extended tax credits related to the Affordable Care Act market plan.
Sponsored by ByHeart, the event captured several important insights:
Concerns Among Public Health Leaders
Experts expressed anxiety about the potential detrimental effects of policy changes instigated by the Trump administration on healthcare.
Richard Besser, head of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and former acting CDC director, expressed alarm over Robert F. Kennedy’s control over federal health policies, describing it as “absolutely frightening.”
“Having an anti-vaccine advocate as Health Secretary is genuinely unsettling,” he remarked. Besser pointed out that the dissolution of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and the inclusion of vaccine skeptics on the committee is deeply concerning. “Once a global benchmark, the CDC now struggles to fulfill its mission,” he added, acknowledging the organization’s skilled workforce yet recognizing its compromised capabilities.
Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association, raised alarms about the implications of proposed funding cuts to medical research.
The Trump administration’s budget plan suggests an $18 billion reduction for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), equating to a staggering 40% slice from its budget. While the Senate Approvals Committee turned down this proposal, a counter bill aiming to boost funding for government agencies was introduced.
“These cuts are devastating,” she emphasized. “They threaten the strategic advantages the U.S. has in science and technology. The negative impact on scientific research will ripple through society, affecting every one of us, both now and in the future.”
Impact of Republican Cuts is Already Seen
Chiquita Brooks-Lashua, who previously led the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services under Biden, mentioned that while many health regulations are set to become effective following next year’s midterm elections, the ramifications of the One Big Beautiful Building Act (OBBBA) are already being felt.
OBBBA is set to slash federal Medicaid funding by $1 trillion over the next decade. “I’ve traveled nationwide, and discussions at local hospitals about curtailing services or even closure due to decreased Medicaid and ACA funds are already underway,” said Brooks-Lashua. One rural hospital in Georgia recently announced the closure of its delivery unit, attributing the decision to staff cuts stemming from OBBBA.
Besser endorsed these concerns, highlighting how gun violence under the Trump administration has hampered state access to essential federal resources. “When I called the CDC for help with Milwaukee’s lead poisoning crisis, I discovered the department that used to be in charge had vanished,” he recalled. “Local communities facing lead-contaminated water will soon realize the implications.” Earlier reports indicated that the National Center for Environmental Health notified Milwaukee Public Health officials that they could not assist due to the disbanding of the lead program.
The Growing Role of Wearable Health Devices
Leaders in the wearable health technology sector discussed how their products could be integrated into everyday healthcare. Dr. Lauren Chan, who heads Apple’s health products, pointed out that items like the Apple Watch can help identify “invisible” health problems, noting that many people only seek help when they feel ill.
“We’ve been crafting features to significantly alter the way users engage with their health, providing them with critical information so they can act swiftly,” Chan stated, referencing new capabilities such as hearing tests via AirPods and hypertension alerts.
“Hypertension often goes unnoticed, earning the label ‘silent killer’ in the medical field. If neglected, it can lead to severe health issues like strokes or heart attacks,” Chan continued. Utilizing the hypertension alert feature on watches can allow users to catch early signs of the condition.
Chan advocated for Congressional measures that would improve access to these devices, like legislation to permit medical savings accounts for their purchase.
Oura CEO Tom Hale introduced the Oura Ring, which monitors various health metrics, including sleep patterns and possible flu infections. “We can see correlations between individuals’ actions and health outcomes consistently,” Hale noted.
Kennedy, a strong supporter of wearables, once referred to these devices as crucial to his health agenda. “They empower people to take charge of their health,” he remarked during a hearing of the House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee.
Dr. Casey Means, appointed by President Kennedy as Secretary of Public Health, is a co-founder of Rebels, a health technology firm concentrating on monitoring health data through devices like continuous blood sugar monitors.
