What Issues Do Healthcare Leaders Want Dr. Oz to Tackle as CMS Administrator?

The Senate confirmed Dr. Mehmet Oz, a celebrity TV doctor, as CMS administrator last week on a 53-45 vote, which was along party lines.

In the position, Oz will lead the Medicare and Medicaid programs. He comes into the role as the healthcare industry faces many changes. Republicans in Congress are currently proposing massive budget cuts for the Medicaid program, which could have a significant impact on the economy. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has also recently issued about 10,000 layoffs, which could have a serious effect on public health.

Oz, however, dodged questions on whether he supports or opposes these Medicaid cuts.

Following his confirmation, several healthcare leaders shared what healthcare issues they hope Oz will address as CMS administrator:

Virtual Care

The Alliance for Connected Care, a telehealth advocacy organization, released a slew of recommendations for advancing digital health in a letter sent to Oz. Its recommendations include reducing the burden associated with provider location reporting, ensuring adequate reimbursement for remote patient monitoring technology and improving health plan network adequacy requirements for virtual care.

The letter also called on CMS and Oz to improve access to telehealth services across state lines, noting that many seniors live in areas with little access to in-person care.

“Greater access to telehealth can be transformative for these communities, but it is hindered by barriers in access to care across state lines. The ability to practice across state lines is crucial for the delivery of care in both remote rural areas and those with practitioner shortages. … President Trump led on efforts to reform occupational licensure efforts during his first term and that continued leadership is needed to advance efforts which will make health care more efficient and competitive,” said Chris Adamec, executive director of the Alliance for Connected Care, in the letter.

Protecting Medicare Advantage

The Better Medicare Alliance, an advocacy organization for Medicare Advantage, said Oz’s background as a physician and wellness advocate aligns with the Medicare Advantage mission to offer “high-value, patient focused care.” Oz has been a major advocate for the Medicare Advantage program, which has drawn some scrutiny from democratic congressional members who question whether he’ll be able to effectively regulate MA plans. The MA program has faced criticism for overpayments and inappropriate use of prior authorization.

Better Medicare Alliance, meanwhile, stressed the importance of protecting the program.

“Today, more than half of Medicare beneficiaries choose Medicare Advantage for better health outcomes and better care,” said Mary Beth Donahue, president and CEO of the Better Medicare Alliance, in a statement. “Dr. Oz takes the helm at a pivotal moment, as millions of Medicare Advantage beneficiaries face higher costs and reduced benefits after two straight years of cuts to the program. It’s critical that Medicare Advantage is adequately funded to ensure seniors continue receiving the care they need.”

Food as medicine

Vanessa Rissetto, R.D., CEO and co-founder of nutrition company Culina Health, voiced concerns that Oz will “bring to life” the efforts of his administration to make budget cuts for government programs, including Medicare, Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program.

She noted that Culina Health has been able to expand access to nutrition care through partnerships with insurers and Medicare, and the company is now available to 70% of the population. However, access to care could be jeopardized due to these budget cuts.

“My hopes are that with all of the circulating discussion around healthcare policy, food as medicine will be at the forefront of conversations for improving the poor health of our nation,” she told MedCity News. “If Dr. Oz can prioritize nutrition as a way to optimize the health of Americans today — particularly for those who are most vulnerable and lacking in access to healthy foods and nutrition education – this could be a positive outcome of the confirmation.”

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