Trump Selects Mehmet Oz to Lead Medicare and Medicaid
Trump Picks a Doctor With No Government Experience to Oversee Medicare, Medicaid
President Donald Trump has nominated TV doctor Mehmet Oz to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the agency that oversees the nation's health insurance programs for the elderly, disabled, and low-income Americans. Oz has no government experience and has made controversial statements about health care in the past. His nomination has been met with criticism from some Democrats and health care experts.
Oz is a cardiothoracic surgeon and professor at Columbia University. He is best known for his appearances on The Oprah Winfrey Show and his own daytime talk show, The Dr. Oz Show. He has written several books on health and wellness, including the New York Times bestseller "YOU: The Owner's Manual."
Oz has been a vocal supporter of Trump in the past. He endorsed Trump in the 2016 presidential election and has appeared on Fox News to defend Trump's policies. Oz has also made controversial statements about health care, including his opposition to the Affordable Care Act and his promotion of unproven medical treatments.
Critics Say Oz is Unqualified and Dangerous
Some Democrats and health care experts have criticized Oz's nomination, saying that he is unqualified to lead CMS. They point to his lack of government experience and his controversial statements about health care. They also worry that Oz will use his position at CMS to promote his own personal agenda and undermine the Affordable Care Act.
The American Medical Association (AMA) has also expressed concerns about Oz's nomination. In a statement, the AMA said that Oz "lacks the necessary experience and qualifications to lead CMS." The AMA also said that Oz's "history of making inaccurate and misleading health claims" makes him "unsuitable" to lead the agency.
Trump Defends Oz's Nomination
Trump has defended Oz's nomination, saying that he is a "very talented" doctor who will do a "great job" at CMS. Trump has also said that Oz is a "very successful businessman" who will be able to bring his business experience to the agency.
Oz's nomination is still pending before the Senate. It is unclear whether he will be confirmed by the Senate, given the concerns that have been raised about his qualifications and his controversial statements about health care.
