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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