Dr. Mehmet Oz faces intensified scrutiny over potential conflicts of interest as Senate confirmation looms for his nomination to lead Medicare and Medicaid programs. A government ethics filing reveals the celebrity surgeon holds $98–332 million in assets, including stakes in health insurance, pharmaceutical firms, and fertility clinics directly affected by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) policies.
Oz pledged to divest controversial holdings within 90 days of confirmation, including stocks from UnitedHealth Group, AbbVie, and Inception Fertility. His recent financial disclosure highlights notable investments:
- Up to $5 million in fertility clinic network Inception Fertility
- $600,000 in UnitedHealth Group
- $25 million in iHerb supplements (to be forfeited post-confirmation)
“He has his financing all over the healthcare system. I don’t know how he disentangles himself,” said Georgetown professor Lawrence Gostin.
As CMS administrator, Oz would oversee insurance coverage rules for 150 million Americans via Medicare, Medicaid, and Affordable Care Act plans. Critics argue his portfolio – spanning hospital AI systems through Nvidia to supplement retailers – creates systemic bias risks.
The nomination revives debate about Oz’s controversial medical claims during his TV career, including disproven weight-loss products. Senators previously criticized his promotion of “miracle” supplements during 2014 hearings.
Oz’s 2022 Senate campaign platform advocated expanding Medicare Advantage – a privatized program facing multibillion-dollar fraud allegations. His financial ties to healthcare corporations now raise bipartisan concerns about regulatory capture.
CMS’s forthcoming decisions on telehealth reimbursement rates, drug pricing, and preventative care coverage could directly impact Oz’s former holdings. While divestment reduces immediate conflicts, watchdogs question whether recusals address deeper ethical challenges.