Dr. Mehmet Oz Advances Toward Senate Confirmation as Head of Medicare and Medicaid

Dr. Mehmet Oz, the former heart surgeon and television personality, is a step closer to heading the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) following a narrow vote by the Senate Finance Committee.

In a 14-13 vote held behind closed doors, the committee approved advancing Oz’s nomination to the full Senate. The timeline for a final vote has not yet been scheduled.

If confirmed, Oz would be tasked with overseeing nearly $1.5 trillion in federal health care spending, managing the nation’s Medicare and Medicaid programs that affect over 150 million Americans.

Oz, who gained national fame through his syndicated medical show, previously ran as a Republican candidate for Senate in Pennsylvania. His nomination has drawn both praise and scrutiny, with supporters citing his medical background and critics raising concerns over past health claims made during his television career.

The close committee vote reflects the divided opinions over his leadership potential at CMS, a critical agency in the U.S. health care system.

The nomination now heads to the full Senate, where a simple majority vote will determine if Oz will officially lead the agency.

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