The Senate Finance Committee voted along party lines to recommend Dr. Mehmet Oz, the former TV doctor, to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The full Senate is expected to vote on his nomination soon.
During his confirmation hearing, Oz cited his experience treating patients on Medicare and Medicaid as a cardiothoracic surgeon. He was noncommittal on proposed cuts to Medicaid, emphasizing the need for the program to be “viable at every level.”
Oz has previously endorsed Medicare Advantage plans, and his financial disclosures revealed ownership of stock in UnitedHealth Group. He acknowledged issues with Medicare Advantage, noting that the federal government might be paying more for these plans than for traditional Medicare.
Oz emphasized the importance of health in reducing national healthcare costs, suggesting that lifestyle changes could significantly reduce expenses for Medicare and Medicaid.
Senate panel backs Oz for CMS
Some criticized these statements as tone-deaf, given Oz’s wealth and privilege.
Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., expressed frustration over the lack of responses from Oz regarding transgender treatments for minors and abortion. Oz has previously platformed discussions on transgender treatments and expressed concerns about state laws restricting abortion during his 2022 Senate run in Pennsylvania.
Chairman Mike Crapo, R-ID, praised Oz for his work as a public health advocate. However, Democrats reiterated their concerns that Oz was noncommittal about enforcing the nursing home staffing mandate adopted by the Biden administration. Much of the Democratic skepticism revolved around Oz’s unwillingness to promise he would protect Medicaid from cuts and a lack of clarity about how he might expand or limit Medicare Advantage.
CMS has a $1.5 trillion annual budget, which Oz will oversee should he be confirmed.
