Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s confirmation hearing for Secretary of Health and Human Services was dominated by concerns about his views on vaccines and his understanding of crucial healthcare programs. While his stance on vaccines drew immediate attention, questions regarding Medicare and Medicaid revealed potential shortcomings in his knowledge of these vital programs.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s views on vaccines were the central issue in his confirmation hearings Wednesday, and rightly so. As secretary of Health and Human Services, Kennedy would have myriad ways to undermine the availability of vaccines and public perception of their safety.
That could mean he was nervous and misspeaking. It could also mean he does not understand the vital programs over which he would preside. The disposition of dual eligibles is a big, ongoing issue for policymakers because they represent both some of the most vulnerable Americans and some of the most expensive to cover. And although it’s a complex subject, anybody thinking of taking a high position at HHS ― let alone auditioning to be secretary ― would be expected to understand and discuss the issue with ease.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testifies Wednesday during a Senate committee hearing on his nomination to be secretary of Health and Human Services.A few minutes later, Kennedy faced more adversarial questioning from one of the panel’s Democrats, Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada. This time the subject was Medicare and its power to negotiate the price of some prescription drugs.That power didn’t exist until last year, when the relevant portions of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act took effect.
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