The Senate has now reportedly confirmed Dr. Mehmet Oz, the former television personality and heart surgeon, as the head of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in a strictly partisan vote of 53-45.
This appointment places him in charge of overseeing more than $1.5 trillion in federal health spending and insurance coverage for over 160 million Americans.
Although some senators, including Josh Hawley (R-MO), expressed concerns about Oz’s past views on sensitive topics such as transgender issues and abortion, Hawley ultimately supported his confirmation.
An Oz spokesperson stated that Dr. Oz is committed to protecting children and understands the risks associated with procedures affecting minors, aligning with President Donald Trump’s agenda.
Dr. Oz’s confirmation comes amidst significant workforce reductions at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), initiated by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, which resulted in the elimination of 10,000 jobs, including 300 employees at CMS.
Alongside these cuts, the closure of five HHS offices that assisted states with Medicare issues could pose challenges for Oz in his new role.
During his confirmation hearing, Oz pledged to support Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s initiative to “Make America Healthy Again,” emphasizing the importance of combating obesity and promoting preventive health care.
He also acknowledged the immediate need for Medicaid reforms, as House Republicans are pushing for $880 billion in savings to address concerns of waste and abuse within the program.
Before his appointment, Dr. Oz was known for hosting a popular daytime television show from 2009 to 2022 and narrowly lost a Senate race in Pennsylvania in 2024 to Democrat John Fetterman.
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