In a recent Senate Finance Committee hearing, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stumbled through questions about Medicare and Medicaid, the two major government health programs that serve over 150 million Americans. His lack of clarity sparked concerns about his grasp of these critical systems.

During a testy back-and-forth with Senator Bill Cassidy, a Republican from Louisiana, Mr. Kennedy appeared to mix up details about Medicare, which helps older and disabled Americans, and Medicaid, which supports low-income individuals. At one point, he incorrectly claimed Medicaid is fully funded by the federal government, even though it’s a joint state-federal program.

Mr. Kennedy also shared his thoughts on Medicare Advantage, a private insurance option within Medicare. He praised the plan, saying, “More people would rather be on Medicare Advantage because it offers very good services.” However, Medicare Advantage has faced criticism for overcharging the government and limiting access to care, issues that have drawn scrutiny from lawmakers and advocacy groups.

When discussing Medicaid, Mr. Kennedy made another misstep by suggesting enrollees struggle with high premiums and deductibles. In reality, most Medicaid recipients pay nothing for their coverage, as federal law prohibits premiums for low-income participants. Patients rarely face out-of-pocket costs for medical visits.

Senator Cassidy pressed Mr. Kennedy for specifics on how he’d reform Medicaid, but the nominee offered vague answers, mentioning the need for “transparency” and “accountability.” When pushed for more concrete ideas, Mr. Kennedy admitted, “I don’t have a broad proposal for dismantling the program.”

The hearing left many questioning whether Mr. Kennedy has the depth of knowledge needed to oversee these vital health programs. As debates over healthcare reform continue, clarity on these issues remains essential.