HHS halts free COVID-19 testing program, citing cost and pivot to Trump-led health priorities.

Federal Testing Ends After Billions Spent

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has formally ended a national COVID-19 testing initiative that provided free tests through community organizations, citing unsustainable taxpayer costs and the pandemic's conclusion. The program, launched in 2021, cost the federal government more than $1 billion.

According to HHS, the virus now behaves similarly to seasonal influenza, and over-the-counter COVID-19 test kits are readily available across retail outlets nationwide. The agency noted that “continued federal distribution is a significant waste of taxpayers’ dollars.” As of May 30 at 5 p.m., all pending test orders submitted through the program will still be fulfilled.

“The COVID-19 pandemic is over,” the agency stated, adding that HHS is now prioritizing efforts that align with President Donald Trump’s health agenda to “Make America Healthy Again.”

Chronic Disease Crisis Takes Center Stage

The shutdown coincides with a major shift in HHS policy direction, led by the President’s Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission, chaired by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The commission’s latest report, released May 22, highlights alarming trends in childhood and adolescent health.

Among the findings: teenage depression rates nearly doubled from 2009 to 2019; more than 20% of children over age six are considered obese; autism diagnoses affect one in 31 children by age eight; and childhood cancer has surged by 40% since 1975. The report also notes that over 40% of the nation’s 73 million children suffer from at least one chronic health condition, such as asthma, allergies, or behavioral disorders.

These health issues carry broad national consequences, commission members emphasized during a recent media briefing. They cited data showing that roughly 75% of Americans aged 17 to 24 are ineligible for military service due to obesity, autoimmune diseases, or other chronic conditions.

“We now have the most obese, depressed, disabled, medicated population in the history of the world,” said Food and Drug Commissioner Marty Makary. “This marks the grand pivot from a system that is entirely reactionary to one that will now be proactive.”

To address these challenges, HHS is currently acquiring one million updated test kits capable of distinguishing between COVID-19 and influenza, which may be deployed during future public health emergencies. Local health departments and community groups with existing stockpiles may continue to provide free tests as needed.

The MAHA Commission is expected to release a follow-up policy recommendation report later this summer, outlining a comprehensive federal strategy for chronic disease prevention and youth health improvement.