**GOP Warming Up to Dr. Oz for Medicare, Medicaid Lead Despite Concerns**

Dr. Mehmet Oz, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee to head the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), is garnering notable approval from Senate Republicans. In contrast, Trump's choice for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has not received the same level of enthusiasm from GOP senators. Remarkably, even Senator John Fetterman, a Democrat who triumphed over Oz in Pennsylvania's 2022 Senate race, is open to supporting Trump's pick.

President-elect Trump has highlighted Oz's potential to collaborate closely with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., aiming to confront entrenched healthcare issues, including chronic diseases. However, some critics point out Oz's controversial stances, such as his endorsement of unverified COVID-19 treatments like hydroxychloroquine and his lack of federal experience.

As the prospective CMS administrator, Dr. Oz would wield significant influence over healthcare coverage for over 160 million Americans enrolled in Medicare, Medicaid, and other health programs. Back in 2013, Oz proposed that uninsured individuals should receive brief, 15-minute checkups funded by local hospitals within a "festival-like setting,” suggesting they deserved access rather than an inherent right to health.

Oz's strong support of Medicare Advantage, a Medicare-approved private option, has also come to light. Despite the program's popularity, it has faced scrutiny over care denials and alleged overbilling. In August, Oz encouraged his nearly 2 million YouTube subscribers to consider the benefits of enrolling in Medicare Advantage.

Prominent Republican senators, including Susan Collins of Maine and Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, have expressed confidence in Oz’s capabilities. Collins emphasized the value of having a healthcare provider's unique perspective at the helm of CMS. Cassidy, chair-elect of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, praised Oz’s potential to advance conservative health reforms, citing his practical understanding of CMS payment laws.

Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina acknowledged Dr. Oz's competence as a physician and is reviewing his qualifications alongside others. Texas Senator John Cornyn also admired Oz’s accomplishments, stating his business acumen adds to his qualifications for leading CMS.

Support is emerging from the conservative health sector as well. Mark McClellan, who served as CMS administrator under President George W. Bush, noted Oz’s ability to inspire Americans towards better health habits. McClellan believes that Dr. Oz could drive significant CMS progress through innovative care and payment reforms.

Despite Senator Fetterman's previous critiques during their contentious Senate race, he appears potentially supportive, emphasizing his readiness to back Oz if the nominee demonstrates commitment to preserving Medicare and Medicaid. However, Fetterman's stance doesn’t guarantee widespread Democratic support.

Other Democrats have been more reserved. Senate Finance Committee Chair Ron Wyden voiced skepticism, questioning Oz's ability to counteract pharmaceutical and insurance sector abuses. Vermont Senator Peter Welch dismissed Oz's past television endorsements of dubious weight-loss supplements like raspberry ketones and green coffee bean extract, highlighting the significant credibility hurdles Oz faces.

As Senate Republicans can confirm Oz without Democratic votes, growing support within GOP ranks suggests a favorable trajectory for his confirmation, albeit amid contentious debate and skepticism from across the aisle.