Calley Means Critiques Healthcare Industry at HLTH Conference
Accusations Against Healthcare Profit Motives
LAS VEGAS — Calley Means, a prominent aide to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., made headlines at the HLTH conference by accusing the healthcare sector of exploiting chronic illnesses while neglecting potential root causes, such as dietary habits. “The problem is that most people in this room are just predominantly making money off more sick patients. And that’s just an economic fact,” Means stated during a panel discussion on the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement.
Overview of the Make America Healthy Again Movement
The MAHA movement aims to reduce chronic diseases through reforms in food, health, and science systems. This initiative gained significant public support, contributing to the election of President Donald Trump, who established a MAHA Commission via an executive order in February.
Concerns Surrounding the Movement
While many in the healthcare industry endorse the MAHA’s goal of improving health for Americans, particularly children, there are concerns regarding some of its promoted dietary choices. Critics point to suggestions involving raw milk and the debunked theory linking vaccines to autism. Proponents of MAHA argue that the healthcare industry purposefully overlooks lifestyle factors contributing to diseases, a claim Means reinforced at HLTH.
Healthcare Stakeholders Respond
Healthcare professionals counter that this perspective misrepresents the industry’s efforts. They highlight investments in social determinants of health programs, such as food-as-medicine initiatives, and the shift away from fee-for-service payment structures. According to Means, “the pharma industry does not make more money when less people are sick. Hospitals don’t make more money when beds are less full.”
Reactions from Attendees
Means’ remarks raised concerns among some attendees. One physician expressed that Means demonstrated a misunderstanding of the industry, noting that insurers often see higher profits when their members maintain good health. Dr. Joshua Guttman, an emergency medicine physician, emphasized that physicians have a vested interest in patient health and that their primary goal is to prevent illness.
Means’ Critique of Healthcare Institutions
As a former lobbyist and entrepreneur, Means has been vocal about corporate influence in healthcare. He has previously criticized the American Medical Association as a “pharma lobbying group” and labeled the Food and Drug Administration as “a sock puppet of industry.” Moreover, Means has played a significant role in drafting MAHA reports addressing child chronic disease and calling for a review of overprescribing practices.
Call for Reevaluation of Medical Standards
During the panel, Means urged a thorough examination of major medical organizations and their evidence-based recommendations for patient care. He suggested that these groups have concentrated too heavily on disease management rather than prevention. “Where [the MAHA] movement is going is an examination of standards of care,” Means remarked, specifically mentioning the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Heart Association.
Concerns about Government Reimbursement
Means also highlighted ongoing discussions about inadequate government reimbursement for healthcare services, exacerbated by recent substantial cuts to Medicaid under the GOP’s tax and policy law. He dismissed any sympathy for the situation, stating, “There’s a mass discussion that needs to happen about actually our prioritizations as a country.” He noted that while only 6% of national income is spent on food, a significant 23% goes to companies within the healthcare sector.
Statistical Clarification
The statistics cited by Means regarding national income and spending are unclear. A New York Times analysis published in June referenced similar figures related to household spending rather than national income.