WASHINGTON \u2014 March 27, 2026 \u2014 The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the members of the Healthcare Advisory Committee, a new federal advisory body comprised of leaders from across the healthcare system to provide expert advice on improving, strengthening and modernizing U.S. healthcare. The Committee will advise HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz on ways to improve how care is financed and delivered across Medicare, Medicaid, the Children\u2019s Health Insurance Program, and the Health Insurance Marketplace.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis Administration is bringing leaders together to tackle the challenges facing American patients and the health care system, putting prevention front and center,\u201d said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. \u201cThis committee will help us shift from a sick care system to a true health care system by delivering practical solutions that drive real change.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe received an overwhelming response from highly qualified candidates across the country,\u201d said CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz. \u201cThese members bring deep expertise across care delivery, financing, innovation, and patient engagement. Their insights will help us advance higher-quality care, reduce administrative burden, and strengthen the sustainability of our programs, while supporting efforts to transform our healthcare system and restore a stronger focus on patients.\u201d<\/p>\n
The following individuals, selected through a competitive review process that drew more than 400 nominations nationwide, will serve on the Healthcare Advisory Committee:<\/p>\n
Robert Bessler, MDKimberly Brandt, JD (ex officio)Sebastian CaliriStephanie Carlton (ex officio)David Carmouche, MDElizabeth M. FagoClive K. Fields, MDWilliam J. Gassen, JDJenni Gudapati, PhDValerie D. HuhnDennis LarawayDan Liljenquist, JDAndrew LynchUrsel J. McElroyKyu Rhee, MDTony RobbinsRuss ThomasLinda Thomas-Hemak, MD<\/p>\n
About the Healthcare Advisory Committee<\/p>\n
The Committee will provide non-binding recommendations to inform federal healthcare policy and program administration. Over its term, the Committee will focus on:<\/p>\n
Developing actionable policy solutions to prevent and better manage chronic disease;Advancing accountability for safety and outcomes while reducing unnecessary administrative burden;Expanding the use of real-time data to support a higher quality of care, speed up claims processing, and improve quality measurement;Enhancing care for vulnerable populations, including those served by Medicaid; andStrengthening Medicare Advantage sustainability, including modernizing risk adjustment and quality measurement.<\/p>\n