Kennedy Struggles with Medicare, Medicaid Questions in Senate Hearing

Kennedy Struggles with Medicare, Medicaid Questions in Senate Hearing/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced tough questioning in his confirmation hearing for Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary, struggling to explain how he would reform Medicare and Medicaid. Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy pressed him for specifics on Medicaid funding, while Democrats attacked his past vaccine skepticism. Kennedy misstated key facts about federal healthcare programs and suggested privatization, further raising concerns. Meanwhile, Republicans focused on agriculture and the abortion pill, with Kennedy assuring them he would not impose food bans or drastic policy changes.

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RFK Jr.’s Tough Senate Hearing: Quick Looks

• Medicare & Medicaid Stumbles: Kennedy misstated funding details and lacked clear plans for healthcare reform.
• Vaccine Debate Resurfaces: Democrats challenged Kennedy on past statements claiming vaccines are unsafe.
• Republican Priorities: GOP senators focused on food policy, agriculture, and abortion pills, rather than vaccines.
• Kennedy’s Clarifications: He assured senators he wouldn’t ban vaccines or certain foods, saying:“If you like a McDonald’s cheeseburger and a Diet Coke like my boss, you should be able to get them.”
• Ties to Trump: Kennedy, once an independent presidential candidate, backed Trump in exchange for a health policy role.

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Kennedy Struggles with Medicare, Medicaid Questions in Senate Hearing

RFK Jr. Faces Senate Scrutiny on Medicaid, Medicare, and Vaccines

Kennedy Struggles with Medicaid and Medicare Policy

In his confirmation hearing before the Senate Finance Committee, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced pointed questions about his understanding of Medicare and Medicaid, two government programs that cover millions of Americans.

Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA), a physician and key vote in Kennedy’s confirmation, repeatedly pressed him on how he would approach Medicaid reforms.

Kennedy failed to provide a clear policy plan, stating:

“I don’t have a broad proposal for dismantling the program.”

However, he inaccurately claimed that Medicaid is fully funded by the federal government, when in reality, it is jointly funded by states and federal taxpayers.

Additionally, Kennedy incorrectly said that most Americans are enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans, when in fact, only about 1 in 10 Americans have that coverage.

Kennedy also hinted at privatization, stating that most Americans prefer private insurance over government-run programs—an idea that could spark opposition from lawmakers who support expanding federal healthcare programs.

Vaccine Controversy Resurfaces

Though Republican senators largely avoided vaccine questions early on, Democrats focused on Kennedy’s history of vaccine skepticism.

Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) confronted Kennedy with past statements where he claimed there was “no safe” vaccine and suggested that parents were misled about the measles vaccine.

“You have spent years pushing conflicting stories about vaccines,” Wyden said.

Kennedy denied being anti-vaccine, stating:

“I believe that vaccines play a critical role in health care.”

However, his long history of questioning vaccine safety remains a major point of concern for public health officials and lawmakers.

Republicans Shift Focus to Food Policy and Abortion Pills

Rather than addressing vaccines, Republican senators focused their questions on agriculture, food regulations, and access to abortion pills.

Kennedy assured lawmakers that he would not push for restrictions on food choices, responding to concerns about potential bans on certain processed foods:

“I don’t want to take food away from anybody.”

He added a lighthearted remark about Trump’s well-known fast food preferences, saying:

“If you like a cheeseburger—a McDonald’s cheeseburger and a Diet Coke like my boss—you should be able to get them.”

Kennedy’s Political Evolution and Ties to Trump

Kennedy comes from a storied political family, as the son of former Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy and nephew of President John F. Kennedy.

He initially challenged Joe Biden for the Democratic nomination in 2024, then switched to an independent presidential run before ultimately dropping out and endorsing Trump in exchange for a role in the administration.

Trump nominated Kennedy for HHS Secretary in November 2024, stating:

“He will end the Chronic Disease epidemic and Make America Great and Healthy Again.”

However, Kennedy’s controversial views on vaccines and uncertain grasp of healthcare policy have raised red flags among both Democrats and some Republicans.

Final Thoughts: Kennedy Faces Tough Path to Confirmation

Kennedy’s struggles with Medicaid and Medicare policy, combined with his past vaccine skepticism, could complicate his confirmation.

• Republicans may support him due to his stance on privatization and deregulation.
• Democrats are likely to oppose him, citing his vaccine history and healthcare misstatements.
• Key swing votes, like Sen. Bill Cassidy, could decide his fate.

With his confirmation hanging in the balance, Kennedy will need to reassure lawmakers that he is prepared to lead the nation’s top health agency effectively.

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