RFK Jr. aims for all Americans to be using a device by 2029—Big Tech or Big Brother?

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced before Congress a plan to equip every American with a wearable health device within four years. He promised one of the largest initiatives in the history of Health and Human Services (HHS), aiming to make smartwatches, trackers, and health monitors part of everyday life.

Kennedy emphasized that wearables are more than gadgets. They allow people to monitor vital signs like heart rate, glucose, sleep, and activity. He shared examples of individuals who made healthier choices by tracking glucose and heart responses in real time.

Comparing costs, Kennedy said wearables priced between $80 and $300 could be far more affordable than medications like Ozempic, which can exceed $1,000 per month. HHS will partner with top health-tech companies to launch the campaign.

A major focus will be education. Kennedy wants to build a national movement showing how wearables can detect sleep apnea, track blood pressure, and even identify early infections—not just count steps.

Still, critics worry about access. Many rural and underserved communities may struggle with affordability, and research has yet to prove wearables consistently improve lifestyles. Questions also remain about device accuracy.

Privacy is another concern. Wearables collect sensitive health data that could be vulnerable to hacking or misuse by advertisers. Some fear overreliance on self-monitoring and warn not everyone will want to wear such devices.

Kennedy’s vision could reshape healthcare by promoting self-awareness and healthier habits. Yet without safeguards around privacy, access, and insurance use, the proposal may face skepticism as much as excitement.