Dr. Oz pledges in confirmation hearing to continue Medicare drug price talks started by Biden

Dr. Mehmet Oz, a former heart surgeon and television host, testified before the Senate Finance Committee on Friday regarding his nomination to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) under President Trump. The GOP-led committee is expected to schedule a vote on Oz’s nomination, with approval likely given the Republican majority in the Senate.

If confirmed, Oz would oversee the nearly $1.5 trillion budget dedicated to Medicare and Medicaid, two crucial health insurance programs for seniors and low-income Americans. Medicare covers around 65 million individuals, while Medicaid supports approximately 85 million people through programs managed by state governments overseen by CMS.

During the hearing, Oz outlined his priorities for CMS, focusing on modernizing systems, combating waste and fraud, and promoting healthier lifestyle choices among Americans. He expressed support for incentivizing patients, especially Medicaid beneficiaries, to make healthier choices.

Oz also addressed major changes proposed by the Biden administration, including expanding coverage to weight loss drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic. He committed to continuing the Medicare drug price negotiation program initiated by the Biden administration.

Furthermore, Oz criticized Medicare Advantage as a source of waste and abuse within the insurance industry, highlighting spending disparities between private plans and traditional Medicare coverage. He also raised concerns about upcoding practices within Medicare Advantage, where providers bill for treating patients as sicker than they are.

Regarding private health insurance, Oz faced questions about prior authorization practices and pledged to limit the number of preauthorized procedures to streamline the process and reduce wasteful spending. He also criticized health insurance companies for misuse of prior authorization, delaying treatment for patients.

Senate Republicans, including Sen. Bill Cassidy, expressed optimism about Oz’s confirmation, citing his qualifications and vision for CMS. However, Senate Democrats, led by Sen. Ron Wyden, raised concerns about Oz’s past, including allegations of tax evasion and embracing pseudoscience.

As part of an ethics agreement, Oz pledged to resign from positions at several companies, divest from healthcare companies, and address conflicts of interest. Despite criticism, Oz’s nomination is expected to proceed to a full Senate vote, where his confirmation is likely due to the Republican majority.

In conclusion, Dr. Mehmet Oz’s nomination to lead CMS has sparked both support and criticism, with his vision for modernizing the agency and promoting healthier choices under scrutiny. His confirmation process will continue as he navigates challenges and addresses concerns raised by lawmakers.