1. United States
2. Mich.
3. Letter

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s concerning lack of understanding about Medicare and Medicaid, two of the largest and most important federal health care programs, raises serious doubts about his ability to effectively lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). During his Senate confirmation hearings, Kennedy struggled with basics like distinguishing between different parts of Medicare and seemed to confuse Medicare with Medicaid at times. This fundamental unfamiliarity with programs that provide health coverage to tens of millions of Americans is unacceptable for someone being considered to oversee HHS and its $1.7 trillion budget. Kennedy's performance demonstrated he is unprepared and unqualified for this critical cabinet position overseeing key health agencies like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Please vote against his confirmation based on this dismal showing of a lack of working knowledge about essential HHS programs and responsibilities. The Health and Human Services secretary role demands expertise that Kennedy clearly does not possess.