Michael Silverstein

Michael Silverstein was a leader of the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), an influential federal advisory group that determines when insurance must cover preventive healthcare services for millions of Americans. He was recently dismissed from his role as chair of the USPSTF by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The dismissal, along with that of another leader, occurred via letters dated May 11th, terminating their appointments immediately. This action has stalled an update to guidelines that would have highlighted new evidence on helping children quit tobacco. The USPSTF's meetings have reportedly been postponed or canceled since March 2025 under the Trump administration, raising concerns about the group's ability to provide timely recommendations on critical public health issues.