Oz Defends His Record and Vision for CMS
Dr. Mehmet Oz, President Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), faced a challenging confirmation hearing before the Senate Finance Committee. The hearing, held on March 14, 2025, saw senators questioning Oz on his past actions, financial dealings, and stance on key health care policies.
In his opening statement, Oz highlighted his accomplishments as a physician and television host. He emphasized his show’s success, which won ten Emmy Awards. Oz also echoed Trump’s stance on Medicare and Medicaid, stating, “We have a generational opportunity to fix our health care system and help people stay healthy for longer.”
Transparency and eliminating waste remain Oz’s top priorities if confirmed. However, his remarks failed to ease concerns from Democratic senators, who challenged his history of promoting controversial medical treatments and his close ties to private health insurers.
Democrats Challenge Oz’s Commitment to Medicare and Medicaid
Sen. Ron Wyden, the ranking Democrat on the committee, strongly criticized Oz’s nomination. He accused Oz of promoting Medicare Advantage companies and questionable wellness remedies. Wyden warned that Oz would likely favor private insurance companies at the expense of beneficiaries.
When pressed on whether he would oppose cuts to Medicaid or Medicare, Oz avoided giving a direct answer. Instead, he stated, “I cherish Medicaid” and spoke about his extensive experience working within the program. His reluctance to provide a clear response frustrated Wyden and other Democratic senators.
Sen. Maggie Hassan further pressed Oz, asking how many children losing health insurance would be acceptable. Oz replied, “I don’t want children to lose health insurance.” Hassan countered that supporting the Republican budget would lead to such outcomes.
Oz Confronted Over Controversial Medical Claims
Oz’s history of endorsing dubious health treatments also drew scrutiny. Hassan questioned him about his past promotion of green coffee extract as a weight-loss solution. Oz had previously called the supplement a “magic weight-loss cure,” but the study supporting his claim was later retracted. The Federal Trade Commission found that the research behind the product was deeply flawed.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren raised concerns over Oz’s financial ties to health care companies. She pointed to his previous support for privatizing Medicare and questioned whether he could fairly oversee the program. Warren also criticized his past comments on abortion, in which he suggested that local political leaders should have a say in a woman’s decision. “The idea that elected officials should interfere in a woman’s medical decisions is terrifying,” she wrote in a letter to Oz before the hearing.
Republicans Defend Oz and Push Their Health Care Agenda
Republican senators backed Oz, particularly on issues related to the Hyde Amendment. Sen. Steve Daines emphasized the importance of ensuring federal funds do not pay for abortion services. He accused the Biden administration of expanding abortion access in violation of the amendment. When asked whether he would uphold the Hyde Amendment, Oz confirmed that he would comply with the existing law.
Tax Controversy Adds to Scrutiny
Oz also faced questions about his tax history. Democratic committee staff alleged that he had underpaid Social Security and Medicare taxes by exploiting a legal loophole. Their memo stated that Oz had avoided paying hundreds of thousands of dollars in taxes between 2021 and 2023. While Oz and his legal team argued that he was not liable for the disputed amounts, the controversy added another layer of skepticism surrounding his nomination.
Oz’s Support for Medicare Advantage Raises Questions
Oz has publicly supported Medicare Advantage, a program that allows private insurance companies to offer Medicare-approved plans. This option has grown in popularity over the past decade. Some experts argue that it provides better care by introducing competition, while critics worry that it prioritizes profit over patient needs.
In a 2020 op-ed, Oz praised Medicare Advantage for offering better care options and suggested expanding it to all Americans not covered by Medicaid. His previous endorsements of the program on “The Dr. Oz Show” have raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest.
What’s Next for Oz’s Confirmation?
The Senate Finance Committee will vote on whether to advance Oz’s nomination for a full Senate vote. His path to confirmation remains uncertain, with Democrats raising significant concerns about his policies, financial background, and past medical endorsements. However, Republican support could push his nomination forward.
As the confirmation process unfolds, the debate over the future of Medicare and Medicaid continues. Oz’s leadership could shape the direction of these programs, making his confirmation a crucial issue for millions of Americans.
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