Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, appeared to be unfamiliar with fundamental elements of the Medicare and Medicaid programs during his second Senate confirmation hearing.
During the hearing, Kennedy struggled to answer a series of questions about Medicare, including what each part of the program is for. He was asked to explain Medicare Part A, but said it was “mainly for primary care or physicians.” Hassan clarified that it is coverage for seniors who receive inpatient care at hospitals.
Kennedy also had trouble explaining Medicare Part B, saying it is “for physicians and doctors.” Part B is coverage for a range of medical services such as doctor visits, outpatient care, home health, certain medical supplies and preventive services.
When asked about Medicare Part C, Kennedy called it “the full menu of all the services – A, B, C and D.” Hassan noted that Part C is also known as Medicare Advantage, which are privately run plans contracted by Medicare.
Kennedy insisted that he had explained the basics of the program, but Hassan said she had to correct him on several things. The New Hampshire senator also grilled Kennedy on his comments during the hearing on Wednesday, when he appeared to confuse Medicare with Medicaid.
Kennedy’s lack of knowledge about the programs has raised concerns about his ability to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees a slew of federal health agencies, including the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.