Dr. Mehmet Oz, a cardiothoracic surgeon who became famous for his nine-year run hosting “The Dr. Oz Show,” has begun his tenure leading CMS after a Senate vote on April 3. 
 
The vote, which was split along party lines, saw 53 Senators in favor of Oz’s nomination and 45 against.  
 
Some politicians and medical professionals previously expressed concern over Oz’s nomination, often citing connections to private insurers. In a Senate finance committee hearing held March 14, several Democrats also questioned Oz’s support of Medicare Advantage and voiced concerns over financial conflicts of interest, including stock held in drugmakers and health care insurers and providers.  
 
Oz promised to divest from these interests during the hearing. He also pledged to cut CMS costs and expressed support for implementing Medicaid work requirements. 
 
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