Washington President Donald Trump’s choice to head the Department of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., faltered many times during his first Senate confirmation hearing on Wednesday when he was questioned by senators on possible Medicaid reforms.
Nearly 80 million low-income individuals are covered by the government-based health insurance program, which has gained more attention as Republicans in Congress search for ways to cut federal spending, with Medicaid potentially being one of the broadest cuts.
Kennedy will supervise the implementation of Medicaid in addition to Medicare and the Affordable Care Act if he is confirmed as secretary of health and human services.
Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., the ranking member of the Finance Committee, stated at the end of the hearing that Kennedy was ill-prepared and appeared to be unaware of the distinction between Medicare and Medicaid.
According to Wyden, my coworkers have been alternating between Medicare and Medicaid, and it’s unclear which program they’re utilizing at what time.
Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., frequently asked Kennedy for his opinions on Medicaid reform and suggested modifications to the scheme.
According to Cassidy, Republicans are once more considering methods to perhaps modify Medicaid in order to help fund President Trump’s agenda. What do you think about reforming Medicaid?
Kennedy said that the majority of Medicaid recipients are not content. The networks are limited, the deductibles are excessive, and the premiums are excessively exorbitant.
According to a 2023 survey conducted by the nonprofit organization KFF, which studies health policy matters, most Americans had extremely positive or slightly positive opinions of the program. His remarks regarding the Affordable Care Act were similar.
Medicaid recipients typically don’t have any deductibles or premiums.
Kennedy stated that there are numerous opportunities with telemedicine and artificial intelligence, but he did not elaborate when challenged by doctor Cassidy for specifics on how he would improve Medicaid.
Kennedy stated, “Well, I don’t have a proposal for dismantling the program.” The first step, in my opinion, should be to test pilot projects in every state. The ultimate goal of value-based care—transparency, accountability, and access—must remain in focus.
Additionally, Kennedy asserted that Medicaid isn’t helping people’s health.
He claimed that despite spending $900 billion, our people are becoming sicker every year. He went on to say that Trump supports individuals having access to great health insurance.
The ACA’s Medicaid expansion resulted in fewer deaths from all causes, according to a 2022 study that was published in The Lancet. Medicaid expansion was proven to benefit older persons’ physical health in a previous study.
Wyden continued to doubt Kennedy’s responses.
I haven’t heard anything from you this morning that would indicate you have a solid case for why you think Medicaid is ineffective,” he continued.
Kennedy’s opinions against Medicare and other health programs were also revealed throughout the hearing.
He may be expressing support for Medicare privatization when he stated, “I believe more people would prefer to be on Medicare Advantage because it offers very good services.”
In contrast to standard Medicare, Medicare Advantage is coverage provided by private insurers.
Trump’s nominee to lead the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Dr. Mehmet Oz, is a well-known physician who has advocated for the program’s privatization.