Washington, D.C. – The National Health Law Program (NHeLP) strongly opposes the nomination of Dr. Mehmet Oz to serve as Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Dr. Oz’s track record of promoting unproven medical treatments and prioritizing profit over public health raises significant concerns about his ability to lead an agency that serves over 150 million people through vital health care programs.
“Dr. Oz’s nomination threatens the integrity of Medicare and Medicaid,” says Mara Youdelman, Managing Director of Federal Advocacy at NHeLP. “CMS must be led by someone who prioritizes evidence-based medicine and equitable health care access—not a TV personality with a record of promoting unproven treatments. Oz’s nomination paired with Robert Kennedy’s nomination to lead HHS and renewed congressional interest in slashing Medicaid funding through block grants and per capita caps signals a dangerous agenda. This approach would devastate health care access for low-income and underserved individuals and families and undermine the well-being of millions who depend on these essential programs.”
