Mehmet Oz to attend hearing in US Senate: Statement of support from Trump

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Mehmet Oz, who was nominated by US President Donald Trump to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), will attend a confirmation hearing in the Senate on Friday. It was stated that if appointed to this position, Oz would head the agency responsible for the health insurance of more than 160 million Americans, with an annual budget exceeding 1 trillion dollars.

The vast budget of the CMS has become a target in the Republicans' efforts to cut federal spending. Health analysts have pointed out that potential cuts to Medicaid could negatively affect rural hospitals and maternity care services. According to the Congressional Budget Office, expanding Medicare access to weight-loss drugs could create an additional cost of 35 billion dollars between 2026 and 2034.

According to a report by The Washington Post, Mehmet Oz is expected to be questioned in the Senate over the promotion of unproven supplements and conflicts of interest. Oz was previously questioned by the Senate Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Product Safety in 2014.

During his 2014 questioning, Oz had to explain why he promoted products criticized by medical experts. These products included a pill that 'promised to shed fat from the body.' Admitting during his questioning that he promoted these products 'due to financial ties,' Oz claimed that he did not deceive patients.

Oz offered his support to the Republicans during the presidential election period and attended Trump's rallies

'HE WILL LEAD IN DISEASE PREVENTION'

Republicans have argued that Oz's medical background and business experience are sufficient to manage the CMS. Trump, in a previous statement, said, 'Dr. Oz will lead in disease prevention, ensuring our country gets the best results in the world in healthcare.'

If Oz is confirmed, whether he will expand access to weight-loss drugs will also be questioned. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has opposed the excessive use of such drugs, stating, 'Americans are being made dependent on these drugs.' US sources stated that Oz's stance on this issue carries the risk of potential conflict with senior management.

'QUACK SCIENCE' ALLEGATION

Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren directed a series of questions to Oz ahead of the hearing, focusing on issues such as conflicts of interest, drug pricing, and the 'promotion of quack science.' Warren stated that she was concerned about Oz's 'advocacy for the privatization of Medicare and his financial ties to healthcare companies that receive significant payments from the CMS.'

Warren also drew attention to the fact that Oz owns UnitedHealth Group shares. In his ethics disclosure documents, Oz pledged to divest these shares. Oz and his wife reported income between 2.8 million and 15.9 million dollars for the 2024-2025 period. The couple's total assets were estimated to be between 95 million and 340 million dollars.

Senators will also ask questions about the taxes Oz paid to the CMS. According to a memo prepared by Democratic tax staff on the Senate Finance Committee, Oz avoided paying some Medicare and Social Security taxes for three years by using an accounting tactic questioned by the government. Oz and his advisors argued that this practice was legal.

Senator Elizabeth Warren

News Source: 12punto