The Senate Finance Committee voted on Tuesday to advance the nomination of Dr. Mehmet Oz as head of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
The committee voted 14 to 13 along party lines to progress Oz’s nomination to the full Senate. If confirmed, the former TV personality and cardiac surgery professor would oversee one of the most powerful and influential government agencies in the U.S., managing close to $1.5 trillion in federal government spending and providing healthcare coverage to over 160 million Americans.
Following the vote, Chairman Mike Crapo (R-ID) issued a statement celebrating Oz’s advancement, adding that his experience has “prepared him well to manage the intricacies of CMS.”
“He will work tirelessly to deliver on the promise of much-needed change at CMS that ensures Americans receive the best care possible,” Chairman Crapo said.
Democrat committee members were less supportive. During his confirmation hearing earlier this month, Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) accused Oz of “dodging Medicare and Social Security taxes,” adding that Oz benefited from a tax loophole of $440,000 in the last three years.
Other questioned whether Oz would reduce funding to Medicare.
“Dr. Oz is one of several Trump administration nominees that say that they recognize the real difference that Medicaid and other health programs make, and yet they are joining an administration and are supported by congressional Republicans who plan to slash the health coverage and programs that people rely on,” said Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-NH) on Tuesday.
Oz testified during the confirmation hearing and outlined his concept of a modernized agency that provides incentives for Americans to live healthier lifestyles. “Some of these decisions are not difficult. Some of them need to be simplified. And some of them need to be reminded frequently,” Oz told the committee.
Oz also voiced his support over allowing work requirements for those enrolled in Medicaid, the federal government program that provides healthcare services for low-income Americans. He said such requirements wouldn’t need to be work-related and could include those enrolled in school or participating in volunteer work.
During the hearing, Oz voiced his disdain for Medicare Advantage, in a sharp turn compared to his past supportive comments over the program. Whereas Medicare is a federal health insurance program, Medicare Advantage plans are privatized and paid for by taxpayers.
Oz described Medicare Advantage plans as a big source of waste and abuse within the insurance industry, and cited reports that showed spending on the private plans could soon outpace Medicare coverage. He also criticized Medicare Advantage plans of “upcoding” claims, a practice where providers intentionally bill at higher rates to receive more money.
While Oz did not state whether he would abandon Biden-led proposals to Medicare and Medicaid, he did promise to continue the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program, an initiative under the Inflation Reduction Act that would lower the costs of certain drugs and medications.
“It’s the law. I’m going to defend it and use it,” Oz said to senators.
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Amanda Umpierrez is the Managing Editor of 401(k) Specialist magazine. She is a financial services reporter with over six years of experience and a passion for telling stories and reporting news. Amanda received her degree in journalism and government and politics at St. John’s University. She is originally from Queens, New York, but now resides in Denver, Colorado with her partner. In her free time, Amanda enjoys running, cooking, and watching the latest drama show.
