The White House on April 3 released the president’s fiscal year (FY) FY 2027 budget request, proposing significant reductions to key federal health agencies and programs, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, as well as health workforce programs.
Following the release of the proposal, AAMC President and CEO David J. Skorton, MD, and Chief Public Policy Officer Danielle Turnipseed, JD, MHSA, MPP, issued a statement expressing concern that the proposal would weaken federal support for medical research, public health, and health professions education. Additionally, the Ad Hoc Group for Medical Research, convened by the AAMC, also warned that the proposal could disrupt research progress and create barriers for medical research. Nearly 600 members of the Ad Hoc Group urged Congress to provide at least $51.3 billion in funding for the NIH in FY 2027 [see Washington Highlights, March 6].
The budget request would also advance policy and structural changes similar to those proposed in FY 2026, including consolidation of several programs and agencies, such as the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), into a new “Administration for a Healthy America.” As part of this proposed reorganization, the budget proposes a $1 billion cut to health workforce programs, including the elimination of funding for 14 existing Title VII health professions and Title VIII nursing workforce development programs administered by HRSA. Additionally, the budget proposes to shift oversight of the 340B Drug Pricing Program from HRSA to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
While the proposal outlines the administration’s priorities, it does not carry the force of law. Congress will determine which proposals to adopt and is expected to begin FY 2027 funding deliberations after the recess, which ends April 13.