Trump Taps Celebrity Doctor to Lead Medicare and Medicaid
In a surprise move, President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Dr. Mehmet Oz, a renowned TV host and former U.S. Senate candidate, to head the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). This critical agency oversees programs that provide health coverage to nearly half of all Americans, including Medicare, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, and the Obamacare marketplace exchange Healthcare.gov.
A Staggering Budget Impact
The four programs under CMS’s purview account for a staggering $1.6 trillion in spending, equivalent to nearly 25% of the entire federal budget. Trump highlighted this significant expenditure in announcing Oz as his pick to lead the division of the Health and Human Services Department.
A Controversial Choice
Oz, who previously hosted “The Dr. Oz Show” for over a dozen years, was the Republican nominee for a U.S. Senate seat from Pennsylvania in 2022, ultimately losing to Sen. John Fetterman, a Democrat. Trump praised Oz as an “eminent Physician, Heart Surgeon, Inventor, and World-Class Communicator” who has been at the forefront of healthy living for decades.
A New Direction for Healthcare
Trump emphasized that Oz will work closely with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., his nominee for HHS secretary, to tackle the “illness industrial complex” and chronic diseases. The president-elect vowed that Oz will prioritize disease prevention, cutting waste and fraud within the agency, and ensuring that every dollar spent on healthcare yields the best possible results.
A Critical Leadership Role
As CMS administrator, Oz will play a crucial role in shaping the country’s healthcare policy and allocating resources. Chiquita Brooks-LaSure currently holds the position, but Oz’s nomination is expected to bring significant changes to the agency’s approach.
Stay Informed
This is breaking news, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
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