Kennedy Jr., President Donald Trump's pick to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, appeared to be unfamiliar with basic elements of the Medicare and Medicaid programs during his second Senate confirmation hearing.

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., 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.

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. 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.

Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana quietly conducted a revealing cross-examination of Kennedy on Wednesday, ahead of the hearing on Thursday that he will lead. He could be a key vote to watch.

Follow along today for ongoing coverage of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s second Senate confirmation hearing.  | Coverage of Robert F Kennedy Jr.'s second Senate confirmation hearing.

The top Republican on the Senate's health committee, Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., faced criticism from fellow Republicans after he suggested his vote for Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s confirmation as Health and Human Services secretary is not a lock.