Health and Human Services Nominee Mixes Up Medicare and Medicaid

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently faced tough questions about Medicare and Medicaid during his Senate hearings. Kennedy, President Trump's nominee for the Department of Health and Human Services, had a few stumbles. Kennedy struggled to explain the basics of Medicare in front of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. When asked about Medicare Part A, he said it covers primary care or doctors. But it is actually coverage for seniors in hospitals. When asked about Medicare Part B, he said it is for doctors, but it actually covers doctor visits and medical supplies. Kennedy also mixed up Medicare Part C, calling it "the full menu of all the services. " But it is Medicare Advantage, which are privately run plans. Kennedy said he was just explaining the basics, but Senator Maggie Hassan pointed out that he got several things wrong. Kennedy also confused Medicaid. Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that covers 80 million Americans. Kennedy initially said it is "fully paid for" by the federal government, but later corrected himself. Kennedy's struggles during his confirmation hearings left many wondering if he is the right person for the job. Kennedy will lead a $1. 7 trillion agency if confirmed. This agency oversees many federal health programs, including Medicare, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act. Kennedy's struggles to answer questions about Medicare and Medicaid raised important concerns. Kennedy's job requires a strong grasp of these programs. Kennedy's struggles to answer questions about Medicare and Medicaid raised important concerns. Kennedy's job requires a strong grasp of these programs. Kennedy's struggles to answer questions about Medicare and Medicaid raised important concerns. Kennedy's job requires a strong grasp of these programs. Kennedy's struggles to answer questions about Medicare and Medicaid raised important concerns. Kennedy's job requires a strong grasp of these programs. Kennedy's struggles to answer questions about Medicare and Medicaid raised important concerns. Kennedy's job requires a strong grasp of these programs. Kennedy's struggles to answer questions about Medicare and Medicaid raised important concerns. Kennedy's job requires a strong grasp of these programs. Kennedy's struggles to answer questions about Medicare and Medicaid raised important concerns. Kennedy's job requires a strong grasp of these programs.