HHS Announces Reorganization, Planned Workforce Cuts
March 28, 2025
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a
major restructuring on Thursday aimed at improving efficiency and streamlining operations. According to government estimates, these changes could save $1.8 billion annually through consolidation and workforce reductions across HHS agencies.
Under the restructuring plan, HHS will reduce its workforce from 82,000 to 62,000 full-time employees. This includes a reduction of 3,500 employees at the Food and Drug Administration, 2,400 at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1,200 at the National Institutes of Health and 300 at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. HHS said the planned cuts at FDA will not affect drug, medical device or food reviewers.
The department also plans to consolidate several existing agencies under the newly created Administration for a Healthy America (AHA), including the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health and Health Resources and Services Administration, among others. The AHA will oversee key divisions focused on primary care, maternal and child health, mental health, environmental health, HIV/AIDS and workforce development, with support from the U.S. Surgeon General and a dedicated policy team.
Additional changes include merging the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation with the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality to create an Office of Strategy that will focus on research and policy evaluation and integrating the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response under CDC.
While HHS currently has no plans for further reductions, the department said that it will continue to explore opportunities for operational improvements. A comprehensive list of planned changes is available in an
HHS fact sheet.
