WASHINGTON — On Friday morning, Dr. Mehmet Oz is slated to appear before the Senate Finance Committee for a confirmation hearing as President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). At the age of 64, Oz transitions from being a well-regarded heart surgeon and TV personality to potentially overseeing health insurance for approximately 150 million Americans under Medicare, Medicaid, or Affordable Care Act plans.
Republicans have rallied around Trump’s health agency nominees, preparing to question Oz about his future plans for Medicare and Medicaid. The Trump administration is keen on addressing fraud within these $1 trillion programs.
Conversely, Democrats intend to scrutinize Oz’s tax records, claiming they reveal a loophole usage that resulted in significant underpayment of taxes concerning Medicare. Additionally, they plan to investigate possible cuts to health insurance and Oz’s controversial remarks supporting Medicare privatization on his television show.
The U.S. Office of Government Ethics, which conducted a thorough investigation into Oz’s financial records, has declared, through spokesman Christopher Krepich, that any potential conflicts have been resolved, affirming that Oz is law-compliant.
With a career that includes promoting various supplements and private health insurance on “The Dr. Oz Show,” a series that spanned 13 seasons, Oz accrued substantial wealth. His financial disclosures indicate a net worth estimated between $98 million and $332 million. While precise dollar figures are absent, they show significant holdings in health insurance, fertility, pharmaceutical, and vitamin companies. Oz has committed to selling stakes in companies that might present conflicts of interest as CMS administrator.
In this forthcoming role, Oz would hold substantial influence over U.S. health corporations, with authority to determine Medicare and Medicaid coverage parameters.
His hearing is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to confirm appointments at the helm of crucial health organizations. This includes Senate committees endorsing Marty Makary for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Jay Bhattacharya for the National Institutes for Health, with their nominations advancing to a full Senate vote. The proceedings follow the unexpected withdrawal of Dave Weldon’s nomination for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Each nominee, including Oz, has embraced Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s controversial initiative to “Make America Healthy Again,” which aims to overhaul the national food system, challenge vaccine mandates, and question certain established scientific research.
In a previous social media post, Oz lauded Kennedy’s direction, emphasizing the necessity for unbiased scientific research into healthy lifestyle choices in America.
This is not Oz’s debut before the Senate. In 2014, he experienced reproach from several senators for promoting dubious weight-loss products during a hearing.
