Robert F Kennedy Jr. is President-Elect Trump’s choice to be Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). A vaccines skeptic, Kennedy’s nomination is controversial, at least at this stage of the process.

HHS is the parent agency of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the agency that issues regulations on agent compensation for advice on Medicare. HHS is also responsible (often in conjunction with the Department of Labor and the Treasury Department), for Affordable Care Act (ACA) rules.

Prospects: Kennedy’s nomination is one of four that are particularly controversial. Senate confirmation is by no means assured, although GOP Senate insiders think it is quite possible that at least 50 Senators (the number needed for confirmation) will ultimately vote to confirm him. Action on this nomination is likely early in the new year.

NAIFA Staff Contacts: Mike Hedge – Senior Director – Government Relations, at mhedge@naifa.org.