The U.S. Senate confirmed Dr. Mehmet Oz as head of Medicare and Medicaid in a 53-4 party-line vote, placing the controversial TV personality at the helm of the nation's largest healthcare programs. The cardiothoracic surgeon, known for his daytime show and pandemic-era hydroxychloroquine endorsements, now oversees a $1.7 trillion budget impacting million Americans.
Oz’s confirmation marks a sharp pivot from media to government as he takes charge of Medicare payment policies, Medicaid reforms, and Affordable Care Act exchanges. Critics highlight his lack of public office experience and past promotions of unproven treatments, including weight-loss "miracle cures" and malaria drugs for COVID-19. Supporters point to his medical credentials, including pioneering work on the MitraClip heart device and editorial role at The Annals of Thoracic Surgery9.
The appointment comes as House Republicans push for $88 billion in Medicaid cuts, potentially threatening rural hospitals and maternity care. Oz has yet to address concerns about conflicts of interest tied to his health benefits company and supplement endorsements. With CMS staff reductions underway due to broader HHS layoffs, his ability to navigate complex reforms remains untested.
As administrator, Oz will collaborate with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to implement Trump’s healthcare agenda, emphasizing fraud prevention and “superior health outcomes”5. The medical community watches closely—his decisions could reshape coverage for seniors, low-income families, and children nationwide.
