RFK Jr. stumbles over Medicaid by Senate Confirmation Hearing

Washington – Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Donald Trump’s nominees to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, stumbled several times during his first Senate confirmation hearing Wednesday when lawmakers pushed him for potential changes in Medicaid.

The government -based health insurance program, which covers nearly 80 million people with low incomes, has gained increased attention as Republicans in Congress look for ways to reduce federal spending with Medicaid among the possible sweeping cuts.

If he is confirmed as health and human service secretary, Kennedy would oversee the implementation of Medicaid, in addition to Medicare and the Law of Affordable Care.

At the end of the hearing, Senator Ron Wyden, D-Or., The Ranking member of the Financial Committee, Kennedy, said “unprepared,” which suggested he did not appear to know the difference between Medicare and Medicaid.

“My colleagues have looked back and forth between Medicare and Medicaid, and it’s not clear which program you are using when,” Wyden said.

Senator Bill Cassidy, R-LA., Repeatedly pressed Kennedy on proposed changes in the program and for his thoughts on the Medicaid reform.

“Republicans again look at ways to potentially reform Medicaid to help pay for President Trump’s priorities,” Cassidy said. “What thoughts do you have about Medicaid reform?”

“Most people on Medicaid are not happy,” Kennedy replied. “The prizes are too high, the equity is too high, the networks are narrow.”

ONE 2023 Voting from KFFA nonprofit group investigating health policy issues found that a majority of Americans have “very favorable” or “somewhat favorable” view of the program. He made similar comments on the law of affordable care.

People at Medicaid not at all charged prizes or self -share.

When Cassidy, a doctor, asked for details of how he would improve Medicaid, Kennedy said there are “many opportunities” with telemedicine and artificial intelligence, though he did not go into detail about them.

“Well, I don’t have a suggestion for dismantling the program,” Kennedy said. “I think what to do is that we have to experiment with pilot programs in each state. We need to keep an eye on the ultimate target, which is value -based care, which is transparency, accountability, access. “

Kennedy also claimed that Medicaid does not produce “positive health results” for people.

“We spend $ 900 billion and our people get sicker every single year,” he said. Trump, he added, wants people to have high quality health insurance.

ONE 2022 study published in Lancet found that Medicaid -Expansion from ACA led to a reduction in deaths from all causes. One Previous study Found Medicaid -Extension improved physical health for older adults.

Wyden remained skeptical of Kennedy’s response.

“You haven’t told me anything this morning suggesting that you have a good argument indicating that you think Medicaid is ineffective,” he said.

The consultation also provided insight into Kennedy’s thoughts on other health programs, such as Medicare.

He said, “I think more people would rather be on Medicare advantage because it offers very good services,” may signal support for privatization of Medicare.

Medicare advantage is coverage offered by private insurance companies rather than traditional Medicare.

Dr. Mehmet Oz, the celebrity doctor that Trump has nominated to run Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, has argued to privatize the program.