Dr. Mehmet Oz is set to appear before the Senate Finance Committee on Friday, as he is slated by President Donald Trump for a major governmental health position—the administration of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The 64-year-old, who transitioned from being a well-regarded heart surgeon to a much-admired television host, is now poised to take charge of about 150 million Americans receiving health coverage via Medicare, Medicaid, or Affordable Care Act programs.
Republicans, who have mostly supported Trump’s nominees for key health roles, are likely to probe Oz on how he plans to manage and improve Medicare and Medicaid, including efforts to eradicate fraud from these expansive $1 trillion programs. In contrast, Democratic leaders plan to bring attention to Oz’s tax filings. They allege these filings reveal he employed a loophole in the tax code, allowing him to undervalue taxes by thousands on Medicare, which he is meant to supervise. Questions are anticipated regarding any potential reductions to current health coverage and his prior support for privatization of Medicare expressed on his show.
The U.S. Office of Government Ethics has performed an “extensive review” of Oz’s financial situation, according to a spokesperson. They have confirmed that any possible conflicts have been resolved, ensuring his compliance with legal requirements. Over the years, Oz promoted a range of health-related products, from supplements to private health insurance, on “The Dr. Oz Show.” The 13-season running program considerably contributed to his wealth.
Oz’s financial disclosure indicates his net worth ranges from $98 million to $332 million, representing a variety of assets primarily in the health sector. His assets include substantial shares in health insurance, fertility, pharmaceutical, and vitamin businesses, although he has committed to withdraw from any companies that might present conflicts in his role at CMS.
As CMS administrator, Oz would have sweeping authority over a wide array of health corporations operating within the U.S., making essential decisions on what Medicare and Medicaid encompass. This hearing is part of broader efforts by the Trump administration to firm up leadership across the nation’s leading health agencies. On Thursday, Senate committees forwarded nominations for Marty Makary to lead the FDA and Jay Bhattacharya to head NIH for a Senate vote, though Dave Weldon’s CDC nomination was unexpectedly retracted.
These nominees advocate for Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s controversial pledge to “Make America Healthy Again.” This approach aims to redesign the food supply of the country, reject compulsory vaccine mandates, and question some well-established scientific research.
“Americans need better research on healthy lifestyle choices from unbiased scientists,” said Oz in a recent social media post endorsing Kennedy’s nomination for health secretary.
Oz has previous experience with Senate hearings. In 2014, he faced criticism from several senators for endorsing weight loss products that were under scrutiny during one such session.
