ANCOR’s Statement in Response to HHS Secretary Kennedy

April 17, 2026

Statement from Barbara Merrill, Executive Director of ANCOR:

“During his testimony before the U.S. House Committee on Ways & Means yesterday, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., made remarks regarding home- and community-based services (HCBS) that impugn their value and necessity.

“These remarks are troubling on their own, but also for how they contribute to a narrative that other high-ranking administration officials have advanced in recent weeks that demean the value of caregiving services and care workers. Furthermore, these comments equate the delivery of these services with fraudulent activity, casting doubt on the value and validity of the vital services on which people with I/DD rely.

“In response to Secretary Kennedy’s remarks, ANCOR issued this statement-a statement I share with our full membership because of the important role each of us must play in educating lawmakers and the public about the value of our services.

“ANCOR will continue to push back against messages-from administration officials or anyone else-that intentionally or carelessly promote misinformation about home- and community-based I/DD services. We appreciate you doing the same as part of our shared and ongoing advocacy to demonstrate the immense value of community providers.