The US Senate has confirmed celebrity doctor Dr. Mehmet Oz to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), a pivotal agency responsible for the healthcare of millions of Americans.
Dr. Oz Confirmed as Head of Medicare and Medicaid Oversight
Dr. Oz Confirmed as Head of Medicare and Medicaid Oversight
Mehmet Oz ascends to a key healthcare position amid controversy over his medical advice.
In a 53-45 party-line vote on Thursday, the Republican-controlled Senate approved Oz, who has never held public office, for the position appointed by President Donald Trump. At 64, Oz is a former surgeon and television personality best known for his health advice on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" and "The Dr. Oz Show," which aired from 2009 until 2022.
His tenure will involve significant responsibilities, monitoring the country’s largest healthcare programs that cover nearly half of the American population. The CMS was tasked with regulating health insurance and shaping medical pricing policies. Critics, however, have scrutinized Oz's past health recommendations, labeling many of them as controversial, especially his promotion of certain weight-loss drugs and alternative treatments.
Trump praised Oz upon his selection, asserting that he is “the most qualified” individual for the role. Ahead of his inauguration, the transition team indicated that he would collaborate with Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr to address issues within the healthcare industry. Notably, the US government allocated over $1.4 trillion on Medicare and Medicaid combined in 2023, marking a significant financial commitment to these programs.
Controversy surrounding Oz extends beyond his medical claims. Reports emerged suggesting he may have failed to pay taxes on significant income generated through his media ventures, though his spokesperson stated an Office of Government Ethics review confirmed his legal compliance. As Oz embarks on this new role, his ability to navigate these challenges while overseeing the health programs for millions remains to be seen.
His tenure will involve significant responsibilities, monitoring the country’s largest healthcare programs that cover nearly half of the American population. The CMS was tasked with regulating health insurance and shaping medical pricing policies. Critics, however, have scrutinized Oz's past health recommendations, labeling many of them as controversial, especially his promotion of certain weight-loss drugs and alternative treatments.
Trump praised Oz upon his selection, asserting that he is “the most qualified” individual for the role. Ahead of his inauguration, the transition team indicated that he would collaborate with Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr to address issues within the healthcare industry. Notably, the US government allocated over $1.4 trillion on Medicare and Medicaid combined in 2023, marking a significant financial commitment to these programs.
Controversy surrounding Oz extends beyond his medical claims. Reports emerged suggesting he may have failed to pay taxes on significant income generated through his media ventures, though his spokesperson stated an Office of Government Ethics review confirmed his legal compliance. As Oz embarks on this new role, his ability to navigate these challenges while overseeing the health programs for millions remains to be seen.
