Dr. Mehmet Oz Faces Scrutiny Over Financial Ties Ahead of Medicare Leadership Hearing

Senator Elizabeth Warren and other Democrats question Oz's impartiality and past support for Medicare privatization as he prepares for confirmation hearing.

• Dr. Mehmet Oz, President Trump's nominee to lead the Medicaid Services (CMS), is set to testify before the Senate Finance Committee on Friday.
• Senator Elizabeth Warren has urged Oz to fully divest from financial holdings in healthcare and pharmaceutical companies to eliminate conflicts of interest.
• Oz has faced criticism for his advocacy of Medicare Advantage, a privatized alternative to traditional Medicare, which has been accused of overcharging taxpayers.
• CMS oversees health programs covering nearly 160 million Americans, including Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, and the Affordable Care Act, with an annual budget of $1.5 trillion.
• Democrats are expected to press Oz on his financial ties, previous statements on reproductive rights, and plans for Medicaid, as GOP-backed budget cuts to the program loom.

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