Counties encouraged to apply for newly established HHS Healthcare Advisory Committee

Key Takeaways

On August 22, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the creation of a new Healthcare Advisory Committee, aimed at providing expert guidance on pressing healthcare challenges. This new committee represents an important opportunity for counties to have a voice in shaping federal healthcare policy.

Read the Notice

About the Healthcare Advisory Committee

The Healthcare Advisory Committee will serve as an advisory body to the Secretary of HHS and the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Its work will align with the Executive Order Establishing the President's Make America Healthy Again Commission (E.O. 14212) and will focus on strategies to strengthen chronic disease prevention and streamline systematic processes.

Specifically, the committee will:

• Promote chronic disease prevention and management through actionable policy initiatives aligned with the Make America Healthy Again policy agenda.
• Cut red tape and strengthen accountability by reducing regulatory burden while ensuring safety, outcomes, and provider focus on patient care.
• Advance data-driven healthcare with real-time systems for claims processing, quality measurement, and performance-based rewards.
• Improve care for vulnerable populations by enhancing Medicaid quality and sustaining Medicare Advantage through modernized risk adjustment and outcome measures.

The Committee will include 15 members appointed by the CMS Administrator, serving as either Representative Members or Special Government Employees (SGEs). Service is voluntary and uncompensated, though members will receive reimbursement for travel and per diem expenses. Each member will serve a two-year term, lasting until the Committee’s charter expires.

County impact

Counties are on the frontlines of public health and chronic disease prevention. As the owners and administrators of core safety-net programs—including local health departments, hospitals, health centers, long-term care and behavioral health facilities—counties bring a unique, day-to-day perspective on how these systems function. This responsibility makes county voices essential in shaping national policy that supports healthier communities and ensures federal reforms are practical, effective and responsive to residents’ needs.

Through participation in the advisory committee’s work, counties can help advance federal policies that support:

• Public health prevention strategies that reduce long-term healthcare costs
• Integration of chronic disease management into local safety-net systems
• Health equity initiatives that address disparities in chronic disease outcomes across communities, particularly for vulnerable populations

Application information

HHS is currently seeking self-nominations and third-party nominations to serve on the Healthcare Advisory Committee. The deadline for applications is September 22, 2025. Information on the nomination process and application components can be found here.  

NACo encourages county officials and staff with relevant expertise to consider applying. If you are planning to apply, we invite you to reach out to NACo Legislative Director for Health, Blaire Bryant (bbryant@naco.org), to discuss your interest and how NACo may be able to support you in the application process. By coordinating with NACo, we can help amplify county voices and secure strong representation on this important federal advisory body.