The following information is from Children’s Health Defense.

US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. convened a high-level roundtable in December, signaling what he described as a major shift in federal policy toward Lyme disease and an end to decades of neglect faced by patients.

The two-hour meeting brought together patients, physicians, researchers, and lawmakers to address long-standing problems with diagnosis, treatment, and insurance coverage. Participants described years of misdiagnosis and dismissal by federal health agencies.

Kennedy said Lyme disease has been treated as a marginal issue despite affecting millions of Americans.

“For many years, this agency had a deliberate policy to refuse to engage with the Lyme community.”
— Robert F. Kennedy Jr., US Health Secretary

He described Lyme disease as an “invisible illness” and said the roundtable marked a turning point in how federal agencies respond.

“This day marks a milestone. We are recognizing that this is an illness, and the gaslighting of Lyme patients is over.”
— Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection spread by tick bites. Federal estimates suggest nearly half a million people are diagnosed and treated each year, though experts say many cases go undetected. Current antibody-based tests often miss early or late-stage infections, delaying treatment.

Panelists emphasized that Lyme disease can affect multiple systems and involve co-infections, with symptoms that may persist long after initial treatment.

The second portion of the meeting focused on innovation, including improved diagnostics, artificial intelligence, and immune-based therapies. Kennedy announced the renewal of the LymeX Innovation Accelerator to support new diagnostic tools.

Officials also highlighted changes to Medicare policy. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Mehmet Oz said chronic Lyme disease care is covered under updated Chronic Care Management for Complex Conditions guidance.

“We can cover chronic Lyme disease. It’s actually already covered.”
— Mehmet Oz, CMS Administrator

Patient advocates welcomed the shift but stressed the need for continued follow-through. Kennedy said Lyme disease reflects a broader failure to address chronic illness in the US.

“The burden is enormous. When people can’t work, families are destroyed.”
— Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Advocates said the roundtable represents an important first step but emphasized the need for accountability to ensure lasting change.

For more information, read the full article here.