Dr. Oz Confirmed as CMS Director

Dr. Mehmet Oz has officially been confirmed as the new Director of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). In a statement, Dr. Oz shared his strategic vision for the agency, highlighting initiatives to enhance price transparency, reduce administrative burdens for providers, and target fraud, waste, and abuse. He also emphasized a renewed focus on prevention, wellness, and chronic disease management—with particular attention to the roles of nutrition and exercise.

CMS also released a press statement reaffirming its commitment to the core mission of Medicaid, particularly as it relates to use of Section 1115 Waivers.  CMS will be narrowing use with added emphasis on streamlining services and eliminating duplicative spending particularly those covered by other state or federal programs.