04.04.2025 07:30
The U.S. Senate has confirmed Turkish heart surgeon Mehmet Öz as the director of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Öz becomes the first Turk to be appointed to this position, where he will oversee the administration of health insurance operations.
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The U.S. Senate confirmed Turkish heart surgeon Mehmet Öz, whom President Donald Trump nominated to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). In the Senate vote, Öz received 53 "yes" votes against 45 "no" votes, thus being appointed as the CMS Director.
THE FIRST TURK APPOINTED TO THIS POSITION
Öz, who will manage the top institutions providing healthcare services to the elderly and low-income groups in the country, became the first Turk appointed to this position. CMS oversees the health insurance operations that cover more than $1 trillion in annual spending for 160 million Americans.
In the U.S., Medicare is a federal health insurance program that provides healthcare services to individuals aged 65 and older. Medicaid, on the other hand, includes a federal and state partnership program that offers health insurance services to low-income groups.
"HEALTH PROGRAMS WILL ENTER A TURBULENT PERIOD"
U.S. media noted that Öz's directorship coincided with a time when "health programs will enter a turbulent period" due to the federal downsizing experienced during the Trump administration. During this period, it is expected that approximately 300 employees will be laid off as part of efforts to reduce healthcare costs at CMS.
"EMPHASIS ON MEDICAID THAT IS APPLICABLE AT EVERY LEVEL"
In his speech at a hearing organized by the Senate Finance Committee last month, Öz emphasized the necessity of ensuring the viability of health insurance programs in the U.S. Öz stated, "I want to ensure that patients have the resources to protect them in case they get sick today and in the future. The way to protect Medicaid is to ensure that it is viable at every level."
Speaking about his background as a physician and his 10 Emmy Awards, Öz highlighted the importance of improving the life expectancy of Americans within the framework of the goals of the CMS institution he aims to lead.
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