Dr. Mehmet Oz Faces Senate Hearing Over Medicare Leadership

WASHINGTON, March 14 (Reuters) — Dr. Mehmet Oz, nominated by President Donald Trump to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), is set to face a confirmation hearing today before the Senate Finance Committee. Senators will scrutinize his track record as both a high-profile physician and television personality amid growing concerns over his financial ties to health care companies.

Oz, who served as a heart surgeon at Columbia University and hosted a popular daytime talk show for 13 years, is an unusual candidate for this role, which typically requires extensive experience in health policy. His dual background has led to both acclaim and controversy, particularly regarding endorsements of health products that many experts deem questionable.

The Senate Finance Committee will evaluate his commitment to Medicare and Medicaid, which collectively insure about 40% of Americans aged 65 and older, as well as low-income individuals. Senators are expected to delve into Oz’s previous remarks on privatizing Medicare and his financial relationships with companies that could benefit from CMS policies.

“His role requires trust, especially in protecting taxpayers from fraud,” said Robert Weissman, co-president of the advocacy group Public Citizen. “If Dr. Oz cannot adhere to advertising rules, how can we expect him to manage Medicare?”

Documents reviewed by Senate committee staff indicate that Oz may have underpaid more than $400,000 in Medicare taxes from 2021 to 2023, a revelation likely to be central to the questioning. His spokesperson asserts that he has complied with all laws and regulations regarding his taxes.

“Dr. Oz followed the law and provided significant amounts of documentation to substantiate his tax return positions,” said Mike Crapo, committee chairman. However, Democrats have raised flags over his finances and potential conflicts of interest.

Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren has been vocal in her criticism of Oz, particularly his past comments regarding abortion rights, which she claims undermine patient autonomy and health. She has also highlighted the implications of his financial interests as they relate to his prospective role overseeing Medicare policies.

Additionally, the committee is expected to address Oz’s previous support for Medicare Advantage, a plan operated by private insurance companies. He has promoted these plans, asserting they offer better care due to competition, though critics argue that they could undermine traditional Medicare services.

As the hearing unfolds, committee members will likely explore Oz’s history of controversial health claims made during his tenure on television and in his books, alongside his public endorsements of dietary supplements and alternative treatments. His continued popularity as a media figure may pose challenges as he transitions to a role meant to prioritize public health over profit.

The stakes are high as the CMS oversees $2.6 trillion annually, affecting the health coverage of millions of Americans. If confirmed, Oz will be responsible for making decisions on health service reimbursements and should be prepared for a rigorous examination of his policies and practices.