RFK Jr. Claims Everyone Who Lost Health Insurance Was “Illegal” Amid Trump Coverage Cuts

During a congressional hearing on Friday, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. gave a blunt and highly inaccurate response when asked about the millions of Americans who have lost their health insurance.

The health and human services secretary was appearing before the House Committee on Education and the Workforce when Democratic Representative Greg Casar questioned him about the issue. Casar asked whether Kennedy had spoken with any of the 1.4 million people who had lost their coverage in the past year after being removed from Obamacare.

Kennedy showed little concern in his response, appearing largely unmoved by the question.

“They’re almost all illegal immigrants,” Kennedy responded. Casar pressed further, saying it sounded like Kennedy hadn’t met with anyone, referring to one person in his congressional district who lost insurance. Kennedy cut in.

Casar: Have you met with any of the 1.4 million people who have lost their health insurance just this last year from dropping off of Obamacare?

Sec. Kennedy: They’re almost all illegal immigrants. pic.twitter.com/NzPogNFn4u

— Acyn (@Acyn) April 17, 2026

“We found 1.5 million illegal immigrants illegally collecting Medicaid,” Kennedy said, before Casar interjected and noted that people in his district saw their monthly health insurance costs skyrocket by hundreds of dollars, including mothers and kids.

He again asked Kennedy whether he had spoken to anyone who had lost their insurance, and Kennedy tried to claim that Affordable Care Act costs are lower for many Americans. Casar’s time for questioning then ran out.  

“Chairman, it sounds like he’s met with nobody and been able to explain to them why it’s okay that this policy kicks them off their healthcare,” Casar concluded, addressing committee chair Tim Wahlberg. 

Undocumented immigrants have never been eligible for health care coverage under the Affordable Care Act. In January, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, which RFK Jr. oversees as health secretary, reported that 1.4 million fewer Americans had signed up for ACA plans because prices had gotten too high.

That’s all thanks to Republicans and the Trump administration letting ACA subsidies expire. Kennedy doesn’t seem to care. 

Philip O'Connor

A legal professional by education, and a stickler for rules, Philip brings rules and regulations within check for our website. He portrays the legal pitfalls, court injustices, as well as the status for high power criminal proceedings that are making waves across the globe. He also delves into human rights violations and all regulatory policies that affect the daily life of citizens of the nation.