Senate Approval On Dr. Oz Nomination To Lead Medicare, Medicaid

livewell
March 26, 2025
Noah Bennett

On Tuesday, the Senate Finance Committee approved Dr. Mehmet Oz to lead the Centers for Medicare Services under President Trump. He was also a former heart surgeon and television host. Significantly, the panel approved Oz’s nomination in a 14-13 party-line vote, sending it to the full Senate for consideration.

Earlier this month, Oz testified before the committee. If confirmed, the 64-year-old would manage the nearly $1.5 trillion that the federal government allocates to Medicare and Medicaid. Moreover, major health insurance programs that constitute a significant portion of the budget frequently use political tools.

Authorities' Reactions On The Consideration

Democrats criticized Dr. Oz nomination for refusing to commit to blocking potential GOP Medicaid cuts. Additionally, they also criticized previous support for Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare privatization.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) stated:

“Dr. Oz’s plans to privatize Medicare would deliver worse care to 66 million Americans and waste billions of taxpayer dollars. All while giving giant insurance companies a fat paycheck. Donald Trump and Elon Musk are already gutting Social Security. The Trump administration does not care about America’s seniors.”

One of the top democrats, Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon, criticized ahead of the vote:

“Assure the American people that he would not be a rubber stamp for Republican plans. Gut Medicaid and hike Affordable Care Act premiums.”

Finance Committee On Oz’s Nomination

The Finance Committee recently advanced Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination as Health and Human Services secretary in February. If confirmed, Kennedy would oversee Oz.

With the Senate confirmation, Oz’s nomination now moves to the Senate floor. Furthermore, Republicans can afford to lose up to three votes and still confirm him without Democratic support. Vice President J.D. Vance also holds the tie-breaking vote.

The Final Confirmation

If the full Senate agrees to complete confirmation, Oz will oversee nearly $1.5 trillion in federal healthcare policy. As a leader, Oz would determine how the government covers procedures, hospital stays, and medications within federal healthcare programs. Moreover, he would also set reimbursement rates for healthcare providers.

According to the CMS administrator, Medicare currently covers about 65 million seniors aged 65 and older. Medicaid, which supports low-income individuals, provides coverage for approximately 72 million Americans.

A Focal Point of Debate

Oz’s nomination remains in debate as it moves to the Senate for the final decision. His leadership would shape key policies affecting Medicare and Medicaid. Significantly, with millions of Americans relying on these programs, his stance on funding, privatization, and accessibility will be closely scrutinized. As the Senate prepares to vote, the outcome will determine the direction of government healthcare policy under the current administration.