Trump Nominates Dr. Mehmet Oz as CMS Administrator in January
President-elect Donald Trump has announced his intention to nominate Dr. Mehmet Oz as the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) starting in January.
Addressing America’s Healthcare Crisis
In a statement released on Truth Social, Trump emphasized the pressing nature of the healthcare situation in the United States, saying, “America is facing a Healthcare Crisis, and there may be no Physician more qualified and capable than Dr. Oz to Make America Healthy Again.” Trump praised Dr. Oz as an eminent physician, heart surgeon, inventor, and world-class communicator who has championed healthy living for decades.
Collaboration with Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
Dr. Oz is expected to collaborate closely with Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., who has been appointed by Trump to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This partnership is set to address key areas within the healthcare system as the CMS functions under the HHS umbrella. The agency oversees Medicare and Medicaid among other health programs while working “in partnership with the entire health care community to improve quality, equity and outcomes in the health care system,” according to its website.
Tackling the “Illness Industrial Complex”
Trump’s statement highlighted that Oz and Kennedy will take on what he referred to as the “illness industrial complex” and combat the numerous chronic diseases that plague the nation. “Our broken Healthcare System harms everyday Americans, and crushes our Country’s budget,” Trump asserted. He emphasized that Dr. Oz would be a pivotal figure in promoting disease prevention, aiming to achieve the best healthcare outcomes for every dollar spent in the country.
Combatting Waste and Fraud
In his statement, Trump also noted Oz’s commitment to reducing waste and fraud within the CMS, which he called the “most expensive Government Agency” responsible for a significant portion of the nation’s healthcare expenditure and overall budget. “Dr. Oz will lead the charge in incentivizing Disease Prevention for effective healthcare spending,” Trump stated.
Dr. Oz: A Familiar Face in Healthcare
Dr. Oz, well-known for his appearances on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” and as the host of “The Dr. Oz Show” from 2009 to 2022, brings a wealth of experience to the position. He earned his MD from the University of Pennsylvania and attempted to enter the political arena by running for the U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania in 2022, where he faced a defeat against now-Senator John Fetterman.
Pillars of the Make America Healthy Again Movement
Trump highlighted that Oz has educated millions on healthier lifestyle choices and has been a prominent voice supporting the key principles of the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Movement. “I have known Dr. Oz for many years, and I am confident he will fight to ensure everyone in America receives the best possible Healthcare, so our Country can be Great and Healthy Again!” the president-elect concluded.
The Role of the CMS Administrator
The current CMS Administrator is Chiquita Brooks-LaSure. The responsibilities of the Administrator include directing the planning, coordination, and implementation of various programs under Titles XI, XVIII, XIX, and XXI of the Social Security Act. The role also involves the development of strong relationships between these programs and a range of private and federally supported health-related initiatives.
