Democrats Question Dr. Oz's Medicare Nomination

Democratic lawmakers, led by Sen. Elizabeth Warren, are demanding answers from Dr. Mehmet Oz regarding his support for Medicare privatization and his financial ties to private health insurers. In a letter sent after Oz's nomination by President-elect Donald Trump to oversee the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the senators expressed concerns about his proposal to eliminate traditional Medicare in favor of Medicare Advantage plans. They highlighted Oz's substantial stock holdings in UnitedHealth Group, the largest private insurer in Medicare Advantage, which could lead to conflicts of interest. The lawmakers cited an analysis predicting that these private insurers will overcharge the government $83 billion in 2024 compared to traditional Medicare. The letter signals the tough questioning Oz will face during his upcoming confirmation hearing, especially regarding his qualifications and previous advocacy for privatizing Medicare. Oz's past criticism of traditional Medicare and his 2022 Senate campaign stance, which softened his position, are also under scrutiny.