On May 18, 2026, the newly formed Healthcare Advisory Committee (HAC) is set to hold its first public meeting, a significant step in the federal government's efforts to reshape the nation's healthcare system. Hosted virtually by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), an agency within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), this inaugural gathering will lay the groundwork for a committee tasked with advising top federal health officials on policies designed to improve healthcare across the United States. This initiative stems directly from President Trump's Executive Order Establishing the President's Make America Healthy Again Commission, issued on February 13, 2025.
The Committee's Mandate and Formation
The Healthcare Advisory Committee's primary objective is to offer counsel to the Secretary of HHS and the CMS Administrator. Its focus includes programs and policies that can enhance the U.S. healthcare system in alignment with the goals outlined in President Trump's "Make America Healthy Again" Executive Order. The committee operates under the authority of 42 U.S.C. 217a, specifically section 222 of the Public Health Service Act, as amended. Further ensuring transparency and adherence to federal standards, the HAC is governed by the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), which mandates open meetings and public access to committee information.
The genesis of the HAC involved a structured federal process. Following President Trump's Executive Order, the committee's charter was officially signed by the HHS Secretary on August 19, 2025. Shortly thereafter, on August 22, 2025, HHS issued a public request for nominations of individuals to serve on the committee. After a period of review that concluded on September 22, 2025, members were selected. In a more recent development, on March 16, 2026, the HAC charter was amended and approved by the HHS Secretary, resulting in an increase in the number of committee members. These steps underscore a methodical approach to establishing a robust advisory body.
Inaugural Meeting Focus and Public Participation
The upcoming May 18 virtual meeting, scheduled from 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, will serve as a foundational event for the HAC. Key items on the agenda include the public introduction of the Committee members, a discussion on the Committee's overarching vision, and the critical task of establishing the Committee's bylaws. These initial discussions are crucial for defining the operational framework and strategic direction that will guide the HAC's future deliberations and recommendations. A more detailed final agenda is expected to be published approximately one week prior to the meeting on the Committee's official website.
Public engagement is an integral component of this federal advisory process. The meeting will be accessible to the public virtually via Zoom, with closed captioning provided. No prior registration is required for those who wish to view the webinar or make public comments during the session. However, individuals intending to submit comment letters must do so by 5:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, May 13, 2026. The same deadline applies for requests for special accommodations, ensuring accessibility for all interested parties. This open invitation for public input reflects the committee's commitment to gathering diverse perspectives on critical healthcare issues.
Implications for Federal Healthcare Policy
The establishment and first meeting of the Healthcare Advisory Committee signal a continued federal focus on healthcare reform, guided by the principles outlined in President Trump's "Make America Healthy Again" initiative. While the immediate agenda centers on organizational matters, the committee's future work will likely delve into specific policy areas affecting Medicare, Medicaid, and broader health service provisions. The composition of the committee members and their collective vision will heavily influence the nature of the advice provided to HHS and CMS leadership. This advisory role, though not directly legislative, can significantly shape regulatory actions, administrative priorities, and potentially inform future legislative proposals concerning the nation's healthcare infrastructure. Stakeholders across the healthcare industry, including providers, insurers, and patient advocacy groups, will undoubtedly monitor the HAC's progress closely, anticipating its influence on the evolving landscape of federal healthcare policy.
