Trump Administration Disbands Key Office Defining Poverty Levels Impacting 80 Million Benefit Recipients

By Arthur Allen | KFF Health News | Special to The OBSERVER - Recent firings by President Trump at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) eliminated the entire office responsible for determining federal poverty guidelines. This has raised concerns regarding eligibility for critical health programs affecting millions. Among those dismissed was Kendall Swenson, a key figure in guideline development. Experts warn of potential service cuts to low-income families unless these positions are restored, stressing the importance of accurate poverty measures for Medicaid and food assistance programs.