Oz Calls Medicare Prior Authorization “System Pox”

Trump Nominee Addresses Healthcare Priorities

Dr. Mehmet Oz, appearing before senators as a nominee for a healthcare leadership position in the Trump administration, called Medicare Advantage’s prior authorization practice “a pox on the system” that increases administrative costs. Oz expressed support for Medicaid work requirements while emphasizing that excessive paperwork shouldn’t prevent eligible recipients from maintaining enrollment.

Democrats Press on Potential Medicaid Cuts

When questioned by Democrats about potential Republican cuts to Medicaid, Oz acknowledged physician dissatisfaction with the program’s relatively low reimbursement rates. He noted that expanding Medicaid eligibility without improving resources for doctors has further limited care options for core beneficiaries, including children, pregnant women, and people with disabilities.

Trump Administration Finalizes Health Leadership

Oz’s hearing comes as the Trump administration works to complete its health agency leadership appointments. Senate committees have advanced the nominations of Marty Makary for the Food and Drug Administration and Jay Bhattacharya for the National Institutes of Health, while Dave Weldon’s nomination to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was withdrawn unexpectedly.

“Make America Healthy Again” Initiative

The nominees align with Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s “Make America Healthy Again” campaign, which focuses on redesigning the national food supply, opposing vaccine mandates, and questioning established scientific research to improve public health outcomes.

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