Unlocking Opportunities: How the Federal Health Agency’s $25,000 Buyouts Could Impact Millions of Americans

RFK Jr.’s Department of Health and Human Services is offering buyouts when their work is critical.
Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call/ZUMA

In Texas, a measles outbreak continues, and officials keep a close watch on bird flu. Amid this public health concern, the Trump administration has decided to offer $25,000 buyouts to many employees at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

An email regarding the buyouts surfaced on social media, shared by a reporter for Rolling Stone. It encourages employees to contact HR by the end of next week if they’re interested in this offer.

The email stated that the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) approved HHS to provide voluntary separation incentive payments to many of its employees. According to OPM, agencies undergoing downsizing can offer up to $25,000 to employees in good standing with at least three years on the job. Unfortunately, many early-career federal workers have already faced job losses.

HHS plays a critical role, overseeing agencies like the CDC, NIH, and FDA. Reports confirm that employees from these organizations received the buyout email, but the total number of affected HHS employees, which exceeds 80,000, remains unclear. HHS officials did not respond to inquiries on this matter.

With Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. leading HHS, concerns have emerged about the agency’s effectiveness. Last year, he threatened to fire a large number of NIH staff on his first day, although that didn’t happen. This recent buyout email signals a significant push to cut the HHS workforce.

This decision comes at a crucial time for public health. The CDC is currently tracking a bird flu outbreak, which has affected around 70 people in the U.S. and resulted in one death. Additionally, there are over 220 measles cases reported, mainly in Texas and New Mexico, with two fatalities. Proposed cuts to Medicaid by Republicans could deeply impact millions of low-income and disabled individuals relying on this vital program for healthcare.

Despite the public health challenges, the push to reduce the HHS workforce continues. The recent developments underscore a growing concern about maintaining a strong federal workforce dedicated to tackling urgent health issues. HHS employees now face changing circumstances and uncertain futures as they navigate this situation.