Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has stirred debate by suggesting that Americans who smoke or regularly consume unhealthy foods like doughnuts and soda shouldn’t expect free healthcare.
In a CBS interview, Kennedy questioned whether society should foot the bill for illnesses caused by preventable habits, saying, “If you’re smoking three packs a day, should you really expect others to pay for your treatment?” While emphasizing personal choice, he argued that people who knowingly make unhealthy decisions shouldn’t rely on public support when they fall ill.
Kennedy, a former addict, has also called for stopping food stamp subsidies for junk food and labeled soda “poison.” He clarified that he wasn’t calling to restrict programs like Medicaid but wants to align public health outcomes with smarter incentives.
His comments drew criticism from some, like Georgetown’s Joan Alker, who warned of government overreach. Others, like Michael Cannon of the Cato Institute, supported Kennedy’s push for personal responsibility.
The Department of Health and Human Services clarified that Kennedy’s message is about empowering healthier choices, not limiting care.
Currently, around a third of Americans rely on government healthcare programs, with higher rates of smoking and obesity seen among these populations compared to those with private insurance.
