The HHS Secretary nominee confused Medicare and Medicaid programs, though he would be responsible for them if confirmed. We break down the difference.

As Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced skeptical senators Thursday in the second day of his confirmation hearing to lead the department of Health and Human Services, Sen. Bill Cassidy confronted Kennedy about vaccines.

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.

More dramatic questioning on vaccines in RFK Jr's second confirmation hearing. Bond/Simmons-Duffin/Stone/Webber

RFK Jr.'s second Senate confirmation hearing focused on vaccines, Medicare, diversity, and science. Key Republicans were reticent to show support.

Kennedy Jr.'s statements before the Senate Finance Committee on Wednesday revealed a concerning lack of knowledge about the major health programs he'd oversee, should he be confirmed as HHS secretary.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s nomination for HHS secretary may be in jeopardy after Sen. Bill Cassidy, MD (R-La.), said he was "struggling" with Kennedy's decades-long history of anti-vaccine advocacy during a confirmation hearing on Thursday.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. incorrectly said that Medicaid was fully funded by the federal government and that Medicare is a fee-for-service program during a hearing in front of the Senate Finance Committee on Wednesday.

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

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s alternating views on vaccines, reproductive rights and public health issues were a central focus at his first confirmation hearing Wednesday, with Democratic senators expressing dismay at his nomination and Republicans signaling he’ll likely have their support.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s views on vaccines and his nomination for HHS secretary were questioned again in a second Senate hearing.

If you come out unequivocally — ‘vaccines are safe, it does not cause autism’ that would have an incredible impact,” Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) told the HHS nominee.