Federal Policy
HHS Nominee Kennedy Confuses Medicare, Medicaid, and ACA During Senate Hearing
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Trump's nominee for HHS Secretary, repeatedly confused Medicare, Medicaid, and Medicare Advantage during his February 5 Senate Finance Committee confirmation hearing. When asked about improving Medicaid, Kennedy claimed beneficiaries face high premiums and deductibles — features generally not present in Medicaid, which typically has minimal or no cost-sharing under federal law. Kennedy also stated he is enrolled in Medicare Advantage when discussing Medicaid policy. The remarks raised concerns among lawmakers and policy analysts about his understanding of the $800 billion Medicaid program and other health programs he would oversee if confirmed.
Why it mattersThe prospective HHS Secretary's apparent unfamiliarity with basic Medicaid program structure raises operational uncertainty for state agencies, health plans, and providers who rely on consistent federal policy leadership and accurate program interpretation.