Dr. Mehmet Oz, a well-known television personality and heart surgeon, has been officially confirmed as the new head of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The U.S. Senate confirmed him on Thursday with a 53-45 vote, split strictly along party lines — Republicans supported, while Democrats opposed.
This decision has sparked debate, especially considering Oz’s past as a TV show host and his controversial stance on several medical treatments.
What Dr. Oz Promised During His Hearing
During his confirmation hearing last month, Dr. Oz made several strong promises:
- To empower patients and give them more control over their healthcare
- To fight fraud, waste, and abuse in the system
- To protect vulnerable Americans like the elderly, disabled, and children
- To address chronic diseases, which drive up health care costs
“I commit to doing whatever I can… to ensure that CMS provides Americans with access to superb care,” Oz said in his testimony.
What Is the CMS and Why Is It Important?
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is a major government agency that operates under the Department of Health and Human Services, currently led by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
CMS is responsible for managing health coverage for more than 160 million Americans, including:
- Medicare for seniors
- Medicaid for low-income individuals and families
- Health insurance marketplaces
Dr. Oz’s Medical and Media Background
Dr. Mehmet Oz first gained attention as a cardiothoracic surgeon. He became famous in the 1990s as a medical expert on “The Oprah Winfrey Show”, later launching his own program, “The Dr. Oz Show.” His mix of health advice and entertainment made him a household name in America.
Over the years, Oz has been a vocal figure in public health conversations, including during the COVID-19 pandemic, where he advised President Donald Trump.
Controversies Surrounding Dr. Oz
Despite his popularity, Dr. Oz has also faced heavy criticism from the medical community for supporting treatments that lack scientific backing. Examples include:
- Promoting hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine for COVID-19, despite no solid evidence of their effectiveness
- Supporting a pregnancy hormone combined with a 500-calorie diet for weight loss, which experts called dangerous
These claims have made many health professionals question his scientific judgment.
His Political Journey
Dr. Oz entered politics by running for the U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania in 2022, but he lost that race. His confirmation to lead CMS marks his first official government role.