AFSCME President Lee Saunders expressed concerns regarding the confirmation of Dr. Mehmet Oz to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Saunders’ statement came after the Senate confirmed Dr. Oz to the position.
In his statement, Saunders emphasized the growing need for accessible medical care, particularly for an aging population. “Americans deserve better than a snake oil salesman leading the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services,” Saunders asserted. He criticized Dr. Oz for promoting pseudoscience for personal gain and questioned his ability to protect Medicare and Medicaid from privatization efforts by wealthy individuals.
AFSCME members, which include professionals such as nurses, home care and childcare providers, and social workers, have been urged by Saunders to monitor and counter any actions that may weaken these essential health programs. Saunders highlighted the importance of Medicare and Medicaid for 147 million individuals in the United States, including seniors, children, Americans with disabilities, and low-income workers, who depend on these programs to access affordable health care.
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