In his first confirmation hearing, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. tried to distance himself from his past statements on abortion and vaccines

Senators grilled Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on if and how he would reform Medicaid and Medicare during his first confirmation hearing to become the next secretary of Health and Human Services.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., nominee for HHS secretary, seemed unfamiliar with the massive insurance program during Thursday’s hearing, mistakenly saying Medicare Part A mainly paid for primary care or physicians.

In testimony to the Senate Finance Committee, Mr. Kennedy seemed to confuse the two government programs that cover more than 150 million Americans.

RFK Jr.'s confirmation hearings continue today as he appears before a second Senate committee. Follow STAT's live updates.

If approved, Kennedy will control a $1.7 trillion agency that oversees food and hospital inspections, hundreds of health clinics, vaccine recommendations and health insurance for roughly half the country.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. denied allegations of sexual misconduct toward his former babysitter during his confirmation hearing. He claimed the apology in

Senator Bill Cassidy is considered a key vote in determining whether Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will be confirmed as the top health official under the Donald Trump administration.

The recent Senate confirmation hearings for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. presented a striking scene that would confuse a time traveler from 10 years ago. Democratic lawmakers took turns excoriating a man who once embodied their ideals. Sen. Bernie Sanders, seemingly grasping for gotchas, was reduced to questioning Kennedy about baby clothing merchandise.

The ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee Wednesday warned that Medicaid cuts managed by an inexperienced HHS leader would have devastating consequences, including shuttering nursing homes.

Robert F. Kennedy, President Trump’s nominee for health secretary, vigorously defended his views on vaccines, and a key senator still has clear doubts.