U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. showed just how "out of touch" he is after claiming $40,000 a month for rehab was affordable for Americans.
On Wednesday, RFK Jr. presented the health department's fiscal 2026 budget to the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. During an interaction with California Rep. Josh Harder, the health secretary attempted to defend sweeping cuts to Medicaid, a health insurance program for low- and middle-income households. But Harder pushed back.
Harder told RFK Jr. that the rehab program Kennedy participated in to overcome his heroin addiction would cost Americans $286,000 out of pocket today.
"There are, Congressman, there are many really gold star rehabs that do it for a tiny fraction, like $20,000 to $40,000 a month," RFK Jr. interrupted to say in an X clip shared by journalist Aaron Rupar Wednesday.
"There you go," Harder replied. "I bring this up because in my community the average [annual] salary is $40,000. So most folks in my community can't even afford $20- or $40,000 per month."
RFK Jr on the cost of drug rehab treatment: "There are many really gold star rehabs that do it for a tiny fraction, like $20,000 to $40,000 a month." pic.twitter.com/zNQwQPhplG — Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) May 14, 2025
RFK Jr., who boasts a $30 million net worth, then accused Harder of "mouthing the Democratic talking points" and claimed "the cuts to Medicaid are for fraud, waste and abuse."
As of December 2024, 71.3 million people relied on Medicaid. Of those recipients, at least 8.6 million people would lose their health insurance coverage by 2034 if the proposed cuts and changes are made to the Medicare program.
The internet slammed RFK Jr. for naively suggesting that the average household could afford tens of thousands for rehab when many Americans reflect those in Harder's district, earning less than $40,000 a year.
"The disconnect between what real people can afford is astounding," an X user wrote.
The disconnect between what real people can afford is astounding — DatHandsomeJerk (@DatHandsomeJerk) May 14, 2025
"A tiny fraction? Out. Of. Touch. With. Reality." another added.
Out. Of. Touch. With. Reality. — A_Research_Guru (@A_Research_Guru) May 14, 2025
"Tiny fraction? That is someone's entire yearly salary," a third noted.
Tiny fraction? That is someone’s entire yearly salary — KeepCalmandVOTE 🛹☮️ 🪁✌🏼 (@keepcalm_BetoOn) May 14, 2025
"Pocket change for the fast food worker!" one person joked.
Pocket change for the fast food worker! — CAC (@Daisyandboy) May 14, 2025
AnamCeili on May 14th, 2025 at 22:10 UTC »
Stupid motherfucker. That's what I make in an entire year.
fulltrendypro on May 14th, 2025 at 22:05 UTC »
When $40K a month is a tiny fraction, you’re not budgeting, you’re broadcasting how far removed you are from real life
Malaix on May 14th, 2025 at 22:03 UTC »
Being mega wealthy and or a nepobaby is a brain disease in its own right. Makes you completely detached from reality, unable to be sympathetic toward others, inflates your self worth to delusional levels, and makes you think you are the hero of the story while filling you with crippling loneliness and feelings of inadequacy to the point where you need constant validatation.