On Thursday, April 3, 2025, the Senate confirmed Dr. Mehmet Oz to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in a contentious 53-45 vote that split the chamber along party lines. The former heart surgeon and television personality will oversee health insurance programs that cover nearly half of the American population, including Medicare, Medicaid, and Affordable Care Act coverage.
Dr. Oz, 64, steps into this significant role amid ongoing debates in Congress about potential cuts to the Medicaid program, which provides health coverage to millions of low-income and disabled Americans. As he takes the reins, Oz has not publicly committed to opposing these cuts, instead focusing on a vision that includes promoting healthier lifestyles, integrating artificial intelligence and telehealth into healthcare delivery, and rethinking rural health care.
During his confirmation hearing last month, Oz expressed support for work requirements for Medicaid recipients but emphasized that such requirements should not create barriers to enrollment. He noted that many doctors are reluctant to accept Medicaid patients due to low reimbursement rates, which he argued has led to diminished care options for the program's core beneficiaries, including children, pregnant women, and people with disabilities. "We have to make some important decisions to improve the quality of care," Oz stated, acknowledging the challenges faced by Medicaid.
Oz's confirmation comes at a time when the CMS is also facing significant staff reductions. Approximately 300 positions are expected to be cut from the agency, which has a budget of about $1.5 trillion in annual spending. These layoffs are part of broader cutbacks within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which has seen thousands of staffers let go from various health agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The new CMS administrator has formed a close relationship with HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has been at the forefront of a campaign to "Make America Healthy Again." This initiative aims to redesign the nation's food supply and has raised eyebrows due to its rejection of vaccine mandates and skepticism towards established scientific research. Although Oz has faced criticism for promoting unproven supplements and holistic treatments, he has consistently encouraged vaccinations.
Oz's confirmation was not without controversy. Critics have pointed to his past promotion of dubious medical treatments and his financial ties to several health-related companies. Despite announcing plans to divest from over 70 companies and investment funds to avoid conflicts of interest, doubts about his ability to remain independent linger. His business ventures, reportedly valued between $90 million and $335 million, include interests in major health insurance providers and pharmaceutical companies.
During his confirmation hearing, Oz also addressed concerns regarding Medicare Advantage, a private insurance plan for seniors that he has long supported. He acknowledged issues with "upcoding," a practice where insurers classify patients as sicker to receive higher payments, and vowed to take action against it. Furthermore, he pledged to uphold the Medicare drug price negotiation program established by the Inflation Reduction Act, which aims to lower drug costs for seniors.
Oz's confirmation reflects a broader Republican strategy to reshape health care policy, especially concerning Medicaid. With over 70 million Americans relying on this program, any proposed cuts could have severe consequences, including reduced access to essential services and even the closure of rural hospitals. Joan Alker, executive director of the Center for Children and Families at Georgetown University, cautioned against a "sledgehammer" approach to Medicaid reform, warning that mistakes could have life-or-death implications for vulnerable populations.
As Oz embarks on his new role, he will face immediate challenges, including navigating the political landscape surrounding Medicaid and managing the implications of staff reductions at CMS. His ability to balance the demands of various stakeholders—ranging from lawmakers to health care providers—will be crucial in determining the future direction of the agency.
In the wake of his confirmation, Oz has stated his commitment to empowering patients and addressing chronic diseases that contribute to rising federal health spending. "I commit to doing whatever I can, working tirelessly, to ensure that CMS provides Americans with access to superb care, especially Americans who are our most vulnerable—our young, our disabled, and our elderly," he declared.
As the new administrator of CMS, Dr. Oz's leadership will undoubtedly be scrutinized as he navigates the complexities of American health care, especially in a climate marked by budgetary pressures and calls for reform. With the ongoing debates over Medicaid cuts and the future of health care policy, all eyes will be on Oz as he seeks to implement his vision for a healthier America.
