Richard O’Flynn: Dr. Oz should prioritize strengthening Medicare Advantage to protect senior health care

I was encouraged to see Dr. Mehmet Oz confirmed as the new Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). As a heart surgeon, educator, and public figure, Dr. Oz brings a unique combination of clinical expertise and public health insight to this critical role. I believe he is well positioned to work with the Trump administration to improve the efficiency, accessibility, and quality of American health care.

While there is no shortage of bureaucratic hurdles to address at CMS, one of Dr. Oz’s most important responsibilities will be to champion and preserve the programs that are already delivering strong result — particularly for older Americans and individuals with disabilities. Chief among these is Medicare Advantage.

I’ve seen firsthand how vital Medicare Advantage is for America’s seniors, starting with my own mother. The Medicare Advantage plan provides flexible, reliable care that adapts to her changing health needs. As both her son and a physician, I’ve been deeply grateful for the peace of mind it offers. It’s reassuring to know she has access to comprehensive, coordinated care that keeps her healthy, active, and independent.

While there’s much work to be done at CMS, one of Dr. Oz’s most urgent and impactful priorities should be to protect and strengthen the Medicare Advantage program.

More than half of all Medicare-eligible Americans are now enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan — a number that continues to grow. That growth is no accident. Medicare Advantage offers a more holistic, patient-centered model of care compared to traditional fee-for-service (FFS) Medicare. It combines critical services like prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, and hearing care — all typically excluded under FFS — into a single, streamlined plan. Many Medicare Advantage plans also include wellness programs like gym memberships and nutrition support, taking a proactive approach to senior health.

The benefits are real and measurable. Studies have shown that Medicare Advantage enrollees have more primary care visits yet fewer total medical visits, reflecting the program’s focus on prevention and early intervention. That translates into healthier lives, reduced hospitalizations, and lower overall health care costs for patients, families, and taxpayers alike.

Dr. Oz will face bureaucratic inertia and political pressure at CMS, but he also has a real opportunity to champion a program that works. He should prioritize protecting Medicare Advantage from funding cuts and work with HHS and Congress to expand and strengthen its infrastructure. Undermining this program would jeopardize the care that tens of millions of seniors depend on every day.

Medicare Advantage is a rare example of a government program that delivers value on every front: better care, lower costs, and healthier communities. When something works this well, we should do everything we can to support it.

Dr Rich O’Flynn is a semi-retired anesthesiologist.