Trump nominates Dr. Mehmet Öz as Medicare and Medicaid Director
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has announced the nomination of Dr. Mehmet Öz as the director of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), a pivotal role overseeing federal health programs.
In a statement shared on his Truth Social platform, Trump emphasized the urgency of addressing America's ongoing healthcare challenges. He expressed confidence in Dr. Öz's qualifications, stating, "America faces a significant healthcare crisis, and there is no doctor more qualified than Dr. Öz to tackle these issues."
Dr. Öz, a renowned physician and television personality, began his academic journey at Harvard University and has built a career addressing public health concerns. Trump highlighted Öz's expertise and his potential to reform and improve the U.S. healthcare system.
The CMS oversees Medicare, a federal insurance program for individuals aged 65 and older, and Medicaid, a joint federal-state program providing healthcare for low-income individuals.
In 2023, the U.S. government allocated $860 billion to Medicaid and $848 billion to Medicare, underscoring the significance of the programs Dr. Öz would be tasked with managing.
If confirmed, Dr. Öz's appointment is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the administration of these critical healthcare services.
