Dr. Oz on the Future of US Healthcare
In a recent interview, Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), addressed critical issues facing the US healthcare system.
Medicaid Changes and Work Requirements
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) projects significant Medicaid spending reductions due to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), driven by new work requirements. These requirements, set to be enforced by states, mandate 80 hours per month of work or related activities for certain adult enrollees.
Dr. Oz noted that technology, such as a smartphone app verifying work through payroll providers, is being piloted in Louisiana and Arizona to ease compliance and prevent coverage loss.
Medicare Advantage Scrutiny
Oz also commented on Medicare Advantage, emphasizing the enrollment of 33 million individuals in these private plans offered by companies like UnitedHealth Group and CVS Health.
He acknowledged the ongoing scrutiny and potential reforms related to these plans, which bundle hospital, medical, and prescription drug coverage.
