HHS again postpones meeting of preventive services coverage panel
What’s Happening: The Department of Health and Human Services postponed the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) November meeting, citing the ongoing government shutdown. The task force, which sets recommendations for no-cost preventive care under the ACA, hasn’t met since March. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. previously criticized the panel as “too woke” and has considered replacing members. The Supreme Court recently affirmed Kennedy’s authority to hire or dismiss panelists and delay recommendations.
Why it Matters: Continued suspension of USPSTF meetings delays updates on cancer screenings and chronic disease prevention, creating uncertainty for coverage determinations under ACA mandates. Health systems should anticipate possible disruptions to reimbursement and clinical guidance timelines if panel operations remain politicized.
Trump pushes an end to medical care for transgender youth nationally
What’s Happening: NPR obtained draft HHS rules that would bar Medicaid and CHIP reimbursement for gender-affirming care to minors and revoke all federal funding from hospitals offering pediatric gender care. The move expands prior executive actions blocking federal support for such care. Experts warn it would effectively end hospital-based gender programs nationwide by tying Medicare participation to compliance. Legal challenges are expected once the rules are released.
Why it Matters: The proposed policy represents a sweeping use of executive power over hospital eligibility for federal programs, setting precedent for politically motivated exclusions. Health systems offering youth or family-based gender services face substantial financial and legal exposure and should coordinate with legal counsel and state regulators in anticipation of rulemaking.
Health Insurance Premium Spikes Imminent as Tax Credit Enhancements Set to Expire
What’s Happening: Expiring premium tax credit enhancements under the American Rescue Plan and Inflation Reduction Act will more than double ACA plan premiums on average, raising annual costs by over $1,000 for most enrollees. The CBO projects 1.5 million more uninsured in 2026 if Congress fails to act before open enrollment ends January 15. Low-income and minority enrollees would be disproportionately affected.
Why it Matters: Rising premiums could drive patients off coverage and increase bad debt for hospitals and clinics, particularly in safety-net systems. Hospital associations may wish to advocate for a permanent extension of premium tax credits to stabilize coverage rates and payer mix.
DOJ tried to subpoena an online trans health care provider. A judge quashed it.
What’s Happening: A federal judge in Seattle ruled that the Justice Department’s subpoena against QueerDoc, an online provider of gender-affirming care, was invalid and politically motivated. U.S. District Judge Jamal Whitehead said the subpoena served “an improper purpose” tied to President Trump’s orders to eliminate gender-affirming care. The DOJ had demanded patient identities and records from over 20 clinics nationwide. Similar subpoenas against Boston Children’s Hospital and others remain under challenge.
Why it Matters: The ruling marks a major judicial rebuke of federal overreach into gender-affirming medicine. Health systems and clinicians providing LGBTQ+ care could face renewed legal and compliance uncertainty as the administration continues its enforcement push, heightening the need for institutional legal preparedness and privacy protections.
On the Horizon
The government shutdown continues without any signs of letting up. Starting November 1 the Federal Marketplace opens for Affordable Care Act plans and many will have sticker shock at price of insurance plans not only from the missing subsidies, but also from the general rise in insurance costs. November 1 also marks the end of funding for WIC and SNAP food benefits. Many non-profits, religious groups and charities are scrambling to ensure that food banks can meet the needs of those whose benefits have lapsed.