RFK Jr. Dodges Medicaid Funding Cut Questions During Confirmation Hearing
In a recent confirmation hearing, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was noncommittal when asked if he would support reductions in Medicaid funding. As the nominee to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (DHS), Kennedy would be in charge of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), which manages the nation’s principal health insurance programs.
During the hearing on January 29, Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) pressed Kennedy twice on his stance regarding potential Medicaid cuts. Kennedy responded by stating he would collaborate with President Donald Trump to enhance Medicaid, yet he refrained from explicitly opposing cuts or offering detailed plans.
This reluctance occurs amid discussions by House Republicans to slash $2.3 trillion from Medicaid. The proposed reductions aim to finance certain priorities of the Trump administration, such as immigration enforcement and extending tax benefits to affluent Americans.
On January 28, Medicaid services faced a temporary halt in several states following a federal grant freeze by the Office of Budget and Management. Despite initial concerns, the White House confirmed that Medicaid would not be affected by the freeze, which was later lifted on January 29 after significant public backlash.
Medicaid currently provides health insurance to over 72 million low-income individuals in the United States, with approximately 12 million also enrolled in Medicare.
In a dialogue with Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Kennedy inaccurately claimed that Medicaid receives full funding from the federal government. In reality, Medicaid is funded jointly by state and federal contributions.
Kennedy remarked, “Most people who are on Medicaid are not happy. The premiums are too high. The deductibles are too high.” However, most Medicaid beneficiaries typically do not pay premiums. A KFF poll indicated that at least 80% of Medicaid recipients rated their coverage positively as of January 2025.
Known for his legal and environmental advocacy, Kennedy ran for president in 2024, initially as a Democrat and later as an independent. He ended his campaign in August 2024 and endorsed Trump, who subsequently nominated him for the DHS position on November 15.
Kennedy has been embroiled in controversy, being an outspoken critic of vaccines and supporter of various conspiracy theories. He has also admitted to personal controversies, including infidelity and past heroin addiction.
On January 28, Kennedy’s cousin, Caroline Kennedy, wrote a letter to U.S. Senators urging them to reject his nomination, labeling him a “predator” driven by power.
Requests for comments from a Trump transition team spokesperson remain unanswered.
—
Read More Kitchen Table News
