(NewsNation) — Dr. Mehmet Oz, who has been nominated to be the administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, will testify before the Senate Finance Committee on Friday.
Oz, 64, is best known for his TV talk show “The Dr. Oz Show,” and he also ran as a Republican candidate for the Senate in Pennsylvania in 2022. Republicans are likely to ask him about his plans for Medicare and Medicaid.
Democrats, on the other hand, will most likely question his tax filings. They have said his tax filings will show he has used a tax code loophole to underpay Medicare taxes, which is the program he would oversee.
What is the administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services?
The administrator sets policies, ensures compliance, and handles a budget that added up to almost $1.5 trillion of the federal spending in 2023, according to GoHealth. If Oz is confirmed, he will also be in charge of overseeing Medicare and Medicaid and enforcing regulations.
Founded in 1977, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services was created to manage Medicare and Medicaid programs. Now, it is also responsible for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and the Health Insurance Marketplace.
This agency impacts millions of people, including the almost 68 million United States citizens who are on Medicare, according to GoHealth. Medicare provides health care services to those who are 65 years old and older, as well as those who are eligible because of a disability.
The agency also works with state officials in Medicaid to give health insurance to low-income individuals and families.
Dr. Oz promises to fight health care fraud
On Friday, Dr. Oz promised the Senate he would fight health care fraud and push Americans to be healthier if he is confirmed, according to The Associated Press. However, he did not say whether he would be against cuts to Medicaid.
He did touch on AI and telemedicine, saying both can be used to make health care more efficient and expand access to more Americans.
“We have a generational opportunity to fix our health care system and help people stay healthy for longer,” he said during his opening statement.