HIVMA response to reports of the dismissal of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force’s deliberative and transparent approach to developing its recommendations is critical to garnering the trust of clinicians, patients and health insurers. The task force’s scientific independence is essential to inform clinical care and health care coverage for preventive services for all Americans. We urge Secretary Kennedy to preserve the independence of the USPSTF. 
 
For people with and vulnerable to HIV, the USPSTF’s recommendations for routine HIV screening and pre-exposure prophylaxis have expanded access to these lifesaving services by raising clinician awareness and by removing cost barriers for the people who could most benefit from them. 
 
From breast cancer to routine HIV screening to statin use, clinicians nationwide rely on task force recommendations in the care of their patients. Most health insurers also are required to cover services that receive an “A” or “B” grade without cost sharing, which is key to transforming our health care system from one focused on treating the sick to promoting health and wellness — a priority we share with the Administration. 
 
Weakening the USPSTF jeopardizes access to preventive services for Americans that save lives and reduce health care costs. Grounding public health decisions in scientific evidence is vital to people with and vulnerable to HIV and to the health of all Americans.   

 
Colleen Kelley, MD, MPH, FIDSA 
Chair, HIVMA 

About HIVMA
The HIV Medicine Association is a community of more than 6,000 health care professionals who advance a comprehensive and humane response to the HIV pandemic, informed by science and social justice. HIVMA works to increase access to health care services and coverage for people with HIV and populations heavily impacted by HIV and to foster a robust, diverse and culturally competent HIV workforce. HIVMA is part of the Infectious Diseases Society of America. Visit hivma.org to learn more.