President-elect Donald Trump’s choice to run the sprawling government agency that administers Medicare, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act marketplace — celebrity doctor Mehmet Oz — recently held broad investments in health care, tech, and food companies that would pose significant conflicts of interest. Oz’s holdings, some shared with family, included a stake in UnitedHealth Group worth as much as $600,000, as well as shares of pharmaceutical firms and tech companies with business in the health care sector, such as Amazon. Collectively, Oz’s investments total tens of millions of dollars, according to financial disclosures he filed during his failed 2022 run for a Pennsylvania U.S. Senate seat. Trump said Tuesday he would nominate Oz as administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The agency’s scope is huge: CMS oversees coverage for more than 160 million Americans, nearly half the population. accounts for approximately $1 trillion in annual spending, with over 67 million enrollees. UnitedHealth Group is one of the largest health care companies in the nation and arguably the most important business partner of CMS, through which it is the leading provider of commercial health plans available to Medicare beneficiaries. UnitedHealth also offers managed-care plans under Medicaid, the joint state-federal program for low-income people, and sells plans on government-run marketplaces set up via the Affordable Care Act. Oz also had smaller stakes in CVS Health, which now includes the insurer Aetna, and in the insurer Cigna. It’s not clear if Oz, a heart surgeon by training, still holds investments in health care companies, or if he would divest his shares or otherwise seek to mitigate conflicts of interest should he be confirmed by the Senate. Reached by phone on Wednesday, he said he was in a Zoom meeting and declined to comment. An assistant did not reply to an email message with detailed questions. “It’s obvious that over the years he’s cultivated an interest in the pharmaceutical industry and the insurance industry,” said Peter Lurie, president of the Center for Science in the Public Interest, a watchdog group. “That raises a question of whether he can be trusted to act on behalf of the American people.” (The publisher of KFF Health News, David Rousseau, is on the .) Oz used his TikTok page on multiple occasions in November to praise Trump and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., including their efforts to take on the “illness-industrial complex,” and he slammed “so-called experts like the big medical societies” for dishing out what he called bad nutritional advice. Oz’s positions on health policy have been chameleonic; in 2010, he urging Californians to sign up for insurance under President Barack Obama’s Affordable Care Act, telling viewers they had a “historic opportunity.” Oz’s 2022 financial disclosures show that the television star invested a substantial part of his wealth in health care and food firms. Were he confirmed to run CMS, his job would involve interacting with giants of the industry that have contributed to his wealth. Given the breadth of his investments, it would be difficult for Oz to recuse himself from matters affecting his assets, if he still holds them. “He could spend his time in a rocking chair” if that happened, Lurie said. In the past, nominees for government positions with similar potential conflicts of interest have chosen to sell the assets or otherwise divest themselves. For instance, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Attorney General Merrick Garland agreed to divest their holdings in relevant, publicly traded companies when they joined the Biden administration. Trump, however, declined in his first term to relinquish control of his own companies and other assets while in office, and he isn’t expected to do so in his second term. He has not publicly indicated concern about his subordinates’ financial holdings. CMS’ main job is to administer Medicare. About half of new enrollees now choose Medicare Advantage, in which commercial insurers provide their health coverage, instead of the traditional, government-run program, from KFF, a health information nonprofit that includes KFF Health News. Proponents of Medicare Advantage say the private plans offer more compelling services than the government and better manage the costs of care. Critics note that Medicare Advantage plans have a long history of than the traditional program. UnitedHealth, CVS, and Cigna are all substantial players in the Medicare Advantage market. It’s not always a good relationship with the government. The Department of Justice filed a 2017 complaint against UnitedHealth used false information to inflate charges to the government. The case is ongoing. Oz is an enthusiastic proponent of Medicare Advantage. In 2020, he proposed offering Medicare Advantage to all; during his Senate run, he offered a more general pledge to expand those plans. After Trump announced Oz’s nomination for CMS, Jeffrey Singer, a senior fellow at the libertarian-leaning Cato Institute, “uncertain about Dr. Oz’s familiarity with health care financing and economics.” Singer said Oz’s Medicare Advantage proposal could require large new taxes — perhaps a 20% payroll tax — to implement. Oz has gotten a mixed reception from elsewhere in Washington. Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman, the Democrat who defeated Oz in 2022, signaled he’d potentially support his appointment to CMS. “If Dr. Oz is about protecting and preserving Medicare and Medicaid, I’m voting for the dude,” on the social platform X. Oz’s investments in companies doing business with the federal government don’t end with big insurers. He and his family also hold hospital stocks, according to his 2022 disclosure, as well as a stake in Amazon worth as much as nearly $2.4 million. (Candidates for federal office are required to disclose a broad range of values for their holdings, not a specific figure.) Amazon operates an internet pharmacy, and the company announced in June that its is available to Medicare enrollees. It also , One Medical, that accepts Medicare and “select” Medicare Advantage plans. Oz was also directly invested in several large pharmaceutical companies and, through investments in venture capital funds, indirectly invested in other biotech and vaccine firms. Big Pharma has been a frequent target of criticism and sometimes conspiracy theories from Trump and his allies. Kennedy, whom Trump has said he’ll nominate to be Health and Human Services secretary, is a longtime anti-vaccine activist. During the Biden administration, Congress gave Medicare authority to negotiate with drug companies over their prices. CMS initially selected 10 drugs. Those drugs collectively accounted for between June 1, 2022, and May 31, 2023, under Medicare’s Part D prescription drug benefit. At least four of those 10 medications are manufactured by companies in which Oz held stock, worth as much as about $50,000. Oz may gain or lose financially from other Trump administration proposals. For example, as of 2022, Oz held investments worth as much as $6 million in fertility treatment providers. To counter fears that politicians who oppose abortion would ban in vitro fertilization, Trump making in vitro fertilization treatment free. It’s unclear whether the government would pay for the services. In his TikTok videos from earlier in November, Oz echoed attacks on the food industry by Kennedy and other figures in his “Make America Healthy Again” movement. They blame processed foods and underregulation of the industry for the poor health of many Americans, concerns shared by many Democrats and more mainstream experts. But in 2022, Oz owned stakes worth as much as $80,000 in Domino’s Pizza, Pepsi, and US Foods, as well as more substantial investments in other parts of the food chain, including cattle; Oz reported investments worth as much as $5.5 million in a farm and livestock, as well as a stake in a dairy-free milk startup. He was also indirectly invested in the restaurant chain Epic Burger. One of his largest investments was in the Pennsylvania-based convenience store chain Wawa, which sells fast food and all manner of ultra-processed snacks. Oz and his wife reported a stake in the company, beloved by many Pennsylvanians, worth as much as $30 million. ©2024 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.Additionally, it is important for businesses to have emergency response protocols in place in the event of a gas leak or other safety threat. Staff should be trained on how to respond to emergencies and evacuate customers safely. Regular safety drills and training sessions can help ensure that everyone is prepared for potential emergencies.In the realm of investment opportunities, the CSI A Series products have been making waves with their remarkable growth and promising prospects. The steady expansion of these products has piqued the interest of seasoned investors and newcomers alike, as incremental funds are anticipated to flow in with increasing momentum.
In conclusion, the explosive debut of OpenAI Sora served as a testament to the growing influence and potential of artificial intelligence in our modern world. As we navigate a future increasingly shaped by innovative technologies like Sora, one thing remains clear: the age of AI is here to stay, and its impact will continue to reverberate across all aspects of society for years to come.Matthews International Reports Results for Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2024
Insights into the Air Scrubber Market and Future Trends at a CAGR of 8.5% by 2030Moreover, this incident also sheds light on the need for greater protection and support for vulnerable populations, such as the elderly. As society ages, it becomes increasingly important to safeguard the well-being and interests of older individuals, ensuring that they are not taken advantage of or left in precarious situations. Authorities should take proactive measures to crack down on fraudulent schemes and provide resources for those who may have fallen victim to such exploitation.
Trump brushes off Ford's threat to cut Ontario's electricity exports to U.S. statesIn conclusion, the 1.2% year-on-year increase in China's import and export value for November reflects the country's resilience, adaptability, and commitment to open and inclusive trade. As China continues to play a leading role in the global economy, its trade performance will remain a crucial indicator of the country's economic health and growth trajectory. By embracing innovation, market openness, and cooperation, China is well positioned to navigate the complexities of the global trade landscape and emerge stronger in the post-pandemic era.
Michigan's defense of national title fell short, aims to cap lost season with win against Ohio StateMoreover, the global economic landscape remains uncertain, with ongoing trade tensions, geopolitical risks, and the lingering effects of the pandemic posing threats to Japan's export-driven economy. A premature interest rate hike could expose the economy to external shocks and hinder its recovery efforts.
The most noteworthy point of contention stems from the presence of four Manchester City players in the prestigious lineup. As Pep Guardiola's side dominated the English Premier League and reached the final of the UEFA Champions League, it comes as no surprise that the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Ruben Dias, Phil Foden, and Ederson have been recognized for their outstanding performances throughout the year. However, critics argue that the inclusion of four players from the same club has raised questions about the diversity and fairness of the selection process.
Trump taps Rollins as agriculture chief, completing proposed slate of Cabinet secretaries
Quantum computing, unlike traditional classical computing, harnesses the principles of quantum mechanics to perform computations using quantum bits or qubits. These qubits can exist in multiple states simultaneously, enabling quantum computers to process vast amounts of information and solve complex problems at speeds that are unimaginable for classical computers.The decision to join Sporting CP over other prominent clubs in Portugal was met with mixed reactions from fans and pundits alike. While some praised Nani for his commitment to the club that nurtured his talent, others questioned the rationale behind turning down potentially lucrative offers from Benfica and Porto in favor of a club that has faced its fair share of challenges in recent years.
Search continues for Bowlus directorThe search for a new director for the Bowlus Fine Arts Center will continue into January. A committee tasked with hiring a director plans to reach out to other applicants after the person they selected was unable to take the job for medical reasons. The committee plans to reach out to some of those who applied for the job in October, when previous director Daniel Kays resigned to take a position in Topeka, said Jennifer Taylor, USD 257 board president and leader of the search committee. At that time, the committee identified five top candidates but invited only the top two for in-person interviews. They selected Andrew Giza, who was expected to start Dec. 2 but faced sudden and unexpected health challenges that prevented him from taking the job. The committee will schedule a new round of in-person interviews in late January, Taylor said. The board officially accepted Giza’s resignation at Monday’s meeting. Meanwhile, the Bowlus continues a full slate of entertainment and activities. In addition to recent school concerts and a play, staff continue with performances during the 60th season. A Christmas show, “Who Brought the Humbug?” is at 7 p.m. Saturday. The high-energy, interactive show takes place at an ugly sweater party, where singers, tap dancers and musicians offer a slew of holiday mash-ups. Santa raps to Rudolph over horn-band funk, Frosty tap dances to a groove, and the reindeer bust out hip-hop choreography, according to a press release about the show. Two singers-turned-investigators beatbox to “The Grinch.” Guests are encouraged to wear an ugly Christmas sweater. Tickets are available online at bowluscenter.org or at the door. Four Iola Elementary School kindergarteners attended Monday’s meeting to show off their holiday project, snowmen painted on boards that are roughly their same height. Don Settlemeyer, building trades teacher at the Regional Rural Technology Center at LaHarpe, cut boards the same height as each student. Students then decorated them, painting a face and buttons, with festive holiday socks used as a stocking cap and ribbons for a scarf. Each snowman includes a poem that says: “Lean the snowman against a wall to remind you when I was this small. Fingerprints make the mouth and eyes. This snowman is just my size. So take them out each Christmas and see I’m not as little as I used to be. Merry Christmas. “ IN OTHER news, Curriculum Director Jenna Higginbotham offered an update on the Kansas Education System Accreditation (KESA) plan. The current focus is on quality instruction. Higginbotham outlined how the district uses professional collaboration to create a culture of high expectations. The school board won’t meet again until Jan. 13 because of the holidays. Superintendent Stacey Fager said he expects representatives from BNIM will give a report about their application for state tax credits. BNIM is the development firm working with the district with hopes to convert three former elementary schools into housing. The group has been unsuccessful in obtaining the tax credits considered essential for the project’s success. This will be their third yearly attempt.
Excitement reached new heights when the latest update of "Black Myth: Wukong" surged to the top of Bilibili's hot search rankings, signaling a resurgence of interest and anticipation for the game. Fans and players alike are eagerly awaiting to dive back into the mythical world of Wukong, exploring the depths of its lore and unraveling the mysteries that lie ahead.
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