The Center for Medicare Advocacy (CMA) urges senators to vote against the confirmation of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to serve as the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. After two hearings, it is clear that Mr. Kennedy lacks the knowledge and preparation to be tasked with steering our nation’s largest health insurance programs: Medicare and Medicaid.
Many have rightfully highlighted Mr. Kennedy’s dangerous views on public health. CMA agrees with those concerns and stresses that Mr. Kennedy remained shockingly ignorant of the fundamentals of Medicare and Medicaid, even at his second confirmation hearing. In contrast, he was able to easily recite the nursing home industry’s talking points against a historic staffing rule that researchers estimate will save 13,000 lives per year – if it is not rescinded by the new administration.
With these priorities laid bare, it is clear that Mr. Kennedy is not serious about Medicare and Medicaid, which together serve nearly half the people in the United States. He did not care enough to learn even the basics. He will rely heavily on others – likely including Dr. Mehmet Oz, who is nominated to lead the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. But Dr. Oz’s stated goals for Medicare would push the program in exactly the wrong direction and harm millions of beneficiaries. He has called for complete privatization of the program based on the false premises that “Medicare Advantage” saves money and provides better quality outcomes – neither of which is true.
Older adults, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups deserve a Secretary of Health and Human Services who knows the fundamentals of Medicare and Medicaid – and does not treat their health programs cavalierly. We urge a no vote.