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Dennis Donovan

(27,093 posts)
Tue Dec 10, 2024, 10:13 AM Dec 10

NBC News: Democrats demand answers from Trump pick Mehmet Oz on 'Medicare privatization'

NBC News - Democrats demand answers from Trump pick Mehmet Oz on 'Medicare privatization'

In a new letter, seven Democratic lawmakers probed "Dr. Oz" on his past support for putting all seniors in Medicare Advantage and questioned whether he has conflicts of interest.



Dec. 10, 2024, 10:00 AM EST
By Sahil Kapur

WASHINGTON — Key Democratic senators are demanding answers from Mehmet Oz on his "previous advocacy for Medicare privatization," referring to his call in 2020 for putting all seniors into private insurance plans under Medicare Advantage.

They're seeking clarity from the physician and TV personality known as "Dr. Oz" in a letter Tuesday, led by Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., after President-elect Donald Trump picked him to run the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

"In the wake of that nomination, we write regarding our concerns about your advocacy for the elimination of Traditional Medicare and your deep financial ties to private health insurers," reads the letter, which was first obtained by NBC News.

The letter was co-signed by Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., who is set to become the ranking member of the Finance Committee, and five other Democrats in Congress.

The Finance Committee oversees the CMS nomination and its members, which include Warren, will get to question Oz. The letter serves as a preview of what Oz will face during the confirmation process, at least from Democrats. Republicans will hold a 53-47 seat majority and need 50 senators to confirm a nomination, meaning Democrats couldn't derail the pick without persuading at least four Republicans to vote against him.

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NBC News: Democrats demand answers from Trump pick Mehmet Oz on 'Medicare privatization' (Original Post) Dennis Donovan Dec 10 OP
Hopefully they receive an answer to this important issue but won't hold my breath FloridaBlues Dec 10 #1
Has Dr. Oz ever seen a less-than-fully-insured patient? bucolic_frolic Dec 10 #2
Medicare only exists because insurers wouldn't cover seniors back in the day... Wounded Bear Dec 10 #3
My fear is that Medicare will be eliminated and everyone will be forced into Advantage programs. Lonestarblue Dec 10 #4

Wounded Bear

(60,788 posts)
3. Medicare only exists because insurers wouldn't cover seniors back in the day...
Tue Dec 10, 2024, 10:26 AM
Dec 10

Now that there is gov't money involved they all want back in on the newest grift.

Lonestarblue

(11,961 posts)
4. My fear is that Medicare will be eliminated and everyone will be forced into Advantage programs.
Tue Dec 10, 2024, 10:29 AM
Dec 10

Once that happens, all seniors will see premiums rise substantially, the Medicare taxes we all paid for many years will simply disappear into the federal budget, and we will be subject to cancellation at the whim of insurance executives. A friend who lives in a small community and has an Advantage plan is now having to pay out-of-network costs for all medical care because the insurer dropped the major healthcare providers in the community from their network. It’s an easy way for the insurer to make more money.

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