Dr. Mehmet Oz's Investments Raise Conflict Concerns

Dr. Mehmet Oz, selected by President-elect Donald Trump to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), has disclosed investments of up to $56 million in three companies associated with the agency, raising significant conflict of interest concerns. A report by Accountable.US highlights that Oz's largest investment is a stake of up to $26 million in Sharecare, a digital health company he co-founded, which provides services to Medicare Advantage enrollees. In addition, Oz reportedly holds up to $25 million in Amazon and up to $5 million in Microsoft, both of which are primary service providers for CMS. Critics fear that these financial ties could influence Oz's decisions on regulations affecting Medicare Advantage plans, which have been criticized for costing seniors more while providing less. Oz's spokesperson claims he has divested from Sharecare, but concerns about his other investments remain unconfirmed. As lawmakers, including Senator Elizabeth Warren, express alarm over these ties, questions arise about the implications for seniors' health security.