Dr. Mehmet Oz Leads CMS with Focus on Modernizing Medicaid Services

Dr. Mehmet Oz, a well-known heart surgeon and TV personality, has officially stepped into his new role as the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). In his first public statement, Oz shared a clear message: CMS is entering a new era focused on personalized healthcare, efficiency, and compassion.

In a video released on social media, Dr Oz expressed his commitment to protecting the most vulnerable Americans, including seniors, people with disabilities, and underserved communities. “Great societies protect their most vulnerable,” he said. “CMS is dedicated to delivering better health outcomes through curiosity, courage, competence, and compassion.”

Focus on Fraud, Waste, and Abuse

Dr. Mehmet Oz highlighted that his top priority is to tackle fraud, waste, and abuse in the healthcare system. He promised updates soon on actions CMS will take to reduce unnecessary spending and improve how taxpayer dollars are used in Medicaid, Medicare, and the Affordable Care Act.

Just hours after his statement, CMS announced it would cut certain federal Medicaid matching funds that have been used for non-medical services, such as high-speed internet for rural providers and in-home care programs. CMS said these types of spending fall outside the core medical focus of the program.

Medicaid Cuts Spark Concern

This announcement came on the same day Congress passed a key budget resolution, opening the door to possible Medicaid cuts. Some lawmakers agreed to support the bill after being promised at least $1 trillion in reductions in mandatory spending, with a strong focus on Medicaid reform.

Healthcare leaders have raised concerns about these cuts. They argue that legitimate Medicaid funding programs, such as provider assessments, are essential for keeping nursing homes and long-term care services running.

“Reducing provider assessments is a direct threat to care for seniors,” said Clif Porter, CEO of the American Health Care Association.

LeadingAge President Katie Smith Sloan added that Medicaid is the foundation for senior care across many settings, including nursing homes, assisted living, and in-home services. She warned that deep budget cuts could limit access and hurt providers' ability to deliver quality care.

What’s Next for CMS Under Dr. Mehmet Oz?

Although Dr Oz didn’t directly mention nursing homes or the controversial CMS staffing rule, he emphasized the need for better data sharing and accountability for providers. He wants to reduce the paperwork burden on healthcare workers so they can focus on patients, not red tape.

Dr. Mehmet Oz is now at the center of major decisions that could reshape healthcare delivery for millions of Americans. As CMS continues its path forward, aging care providers, patients, and policymakers will all be watching closely.