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.

During confirmation hearings, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. spoke to SNAP and his ideas for integrating nutritional health into federal assistance programs.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. struggled to answer questions from Sen. Bill Cassidy (R., La.,) about Medicare and Medicaid. When asked about how care for people who are eligible for both federal health programs could be integrated,

Sen. Bill Cassidy, MD, (R, Louisiana) holds a key vote on Robert F. Kennedy Jr's HHS Secretary confirmation. When Cassidy asked for a strategy on Medicare and Medicaid, Kennedy could not provide one.

The exchange erupted when Warren asked Kennedy about his previous anti-vaccine statements, which he appeared to walk back during the hearing.

Robert F. Kennedy, Trump's controversial pick to lead Health and Human Services, testified before a Senate panel that is crucial to advance his nomination.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr’s confirmation hearings began Wednesday before the Senate Finance Committee. He appears before the Health, Education, Labor and Pension committee on Thursday. Experts generally agree and have been concerned about this for years, especially rising rates of obesity and diabetes.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. struggled Wednesday to answer questions about Medicare and Medicaid or to provide details about how he would work to drive down health care costs.

No Republicans have said publicly they would oppose Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to run Health and Human Services. Sen. Mitch McConnell (R., Ky.), a polio survivor, and centrist Republican Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska are considered possible defectors.

WASHINGTON — Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s famous name, populist stances and loyal following have earned him President Donald Trump’s support, but will that get him the votes he needs from the Republican-controlled Senate to become the nation’s top health official?

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is appearing before the Senate Committee on Finance on Wednesday as he seeks confirmation to lead the Department of Health and Human Services.