Trump Taps Mehmet Oz to Lead Medicare and Medicaid: The Celebrity Doctor’s New Role in U.S. Healthcare and What It Means for You
President-elect Donald Trump has selected Dr. Mehmet Oz, the celebrity heart surgeon and former TV host, to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). This massive agency oversees vital health programs that cover more than a third of Americans, highlighting the importance of Oz’s new role in shaping U.S. healthcare policy.
Who is Dr. Mehmet Oz?
Dr. Oz, the Cleveland-born son of Turkish immigrants, first gained national attention as a guest expert on Oprah Winfrey’s show before launching The Dr. Oz Show in 2009. The Emmy-winning series aired for 13 seasons, cementing Oz’s reputation as a wellness guru and trusted medical advisor.
Though he stopped performing surgeries in 2018, Oz remains a licensed physician in Pennsylvania. Beyond his medical credentials, Oz is a New York Times bestselling author, nonprofit founder advocating teen health, and even a guest host on Jeopardy!
From Surgeon to Salesman
Oz initially earned recognition as a skilled heart surgeon, but his career shifted into controversy as he transitioned into a media personality. His show blended medical advice with marketing, frequently endorsing dubious health products that led to allegations of misleading claims.
Some endorsements involved multilevel marketing companies that drew scrutiny from federal regulators. Despite the controversies, Oz’s 2022 financial disclosure reported a net worth estimated between $100 million and $315 million, reflecting his dual success as a medical professional and businessman.
A Foray Into Politics
In 2022, Oz entered politics, running for U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania as a Republican. Leveraging his celebrity status and Trump’s endorsement, his campaign leaned into his public persona with slogans like “The doctor is in” and branding that mirrored his TV show.
After a narrow primary victory secured by a Supreme Court decision, Oz lost the general election to Democrat John Fetterman.
A Longstanding Relationship With Trump
Oz and Trump’s relationship began nearly two decades ago at a charity event hosted at one of Trump’s golf courses. Their bond deepened during the 2016 presidential campaign when Oz interviewed Trump about his health on The Dr. Oz Show.
In Trump’s first term, he appointed Oz to the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition. This history of collaboration has now culminated in Oz’s selection to head CMS.
The Challenge Ahead
If confirmed, Oz will oversee CMS’s $1.1 trillion budget and manage programs like Medicare, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and the Affordable Care Act (ACA). These initiatives collectively serve more than 160 million Americans, ranging from newborns to seniors in nursing homes.
CMS also sets reimbursement rates that ripple across the healthcare economy and enforces standards that directly affect hospitals, physicians, and insurers. The agency plays a central role in the nation’s $4.5 trillion healthcare industry.
Dr. Oz’s appointment underscores Trump’s preference for high-profile figures with public appeal to lead pivotal federal agencies. Whether Oz’s blend of medical knowledge and media prowess will translate into effective governance remains to be seen.