Written by Michael Harris.
In a tense confirmation hearing, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced a barrage of questions about his plans for Medicaid and Medicare. The stakes are high, with these programs being lifelines for millions of disabled, poor, and older Americans. Kennedy’s responses, however, left much to be desired.
Kennedy’s Shaky Grasp on Medicaid and Medicare
Senator Bill Cassidy, a Republican from Louisiana and a crucial vote for Kennedy, didn’t hold back. He pushed Kennedy to share his reform plans for Medicaid, a program that supports around 80 million people. With Republicans hinting at deep cuts to fund Trump’s proposals, the pressure was on. Kennedy’s response? A vague denial of any broad dismantling plans, which didn’t exactly inspire confidence.
Kennedy’s understanding of these programs seemed shaky at best. He mistakenly claimed that Medicaid is fully funded by the federal government, which isn’t true—states chip in too. He also vastly overestimated the number of Americans with Medicare Advantage plans. It’s not that most Americans have these plans; it’s about 1 in 10. These aren’t small mistakes; they’re fundamental misunderstandings of the programs he’s meant to oversee.
Despite his shaky grasp of the facts, Kennedy was clear on one thing: he’s a fan of privatization. He repeatedly pushed the idea that Americans prefer private insurance over government-run programs. This is a contentious claim, and one that doesn’t sit well with many who rely on these programs.
Kennedy’s Vaccine Views Under Scrutiny
Kennedy is up for a big job: leading the $1.7 trillion Department of Health and Human Services. This means overseeing vaccine recommendations, food inspections, hospital oversight, and funding for community health clinics. Given this, his views on vaccines were bound to come up.
In heated exchanges, Kennedy denied being anti-vaccine but acknowledged his history of asking “uncomfortable questions” about vaccinations. Democrats, led by Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon, weren’t having it. Wyden called Kennedy out for his past claims, like there being “no safe vaccine” and parents being “misled” about the measles vaccine.
Kennedy’s track record speaks volumes. He’s headed a nonprofit that sued the government over vaccine authorizations. He’s called for more studies on routine childhood vaccinations, despite decades of research proving their safety and effectiveness. This isn’t just about Kennedy’s personal beliefs; it’s about the impact his views could have on public health policy.
Agriculture, Abortion, and Cheeseburgers
Republicans had their own line of questioning, focusing on agriculture, food, and access to the abortion pill via telehealth. Kennedy tried to strike a reassuring tone, claiming he wouldn’t seek widespread bans on vaccines or food. He even threw in a pop culture reference, 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 hails from a political dynasty, being the son of the late Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy and the nephew of President John F. Kennedy. After a failed bid for the 2024 Democratic presidential nomination and a brief stint as an independent, he struck a deal with Trump. In exchange for endorsing Trump, he secured a promise to serve in a health policy role during Trump’s second administration.
Our Take
Putting Kennedy in charge of America’s health is a gamble, and not a good one. His shaky grasp of Medicaid and Medicare, his contentious vaccine views, and his privatization push are all red flags. Americans deserve a health official who understands the programs they rely on, who trusts the science on vaccines, and who puts public health over politics. Kennedy’s confirmation would be a loss for the public, pure and simple. Let’s hope the Senate makes the right call.
