WASHINGTON—The Senate confirmed Dr. Mehmet Oz as Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the federal agency responsible for providing health coverage to more than 160 million people through Medicare, Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program, and the Health Insurance Marketplace. As the nation’s largest health care payer, CMS plays a critical role in shaping the future of health care by advancing quality, equity, and access.

As of 2020, approximately 4.5 million AANHPI individuals were enrolled in Medicaid, covering over one million AANHPI children and 1.6 million of these enrollments through the Medicaid expansion pathway. Nearly 2.3 million AANHPIs are enrolled in Medicare. This population grew by approximately 11 percent from 2017 to 2019, the highest percentage increase compared to other racial groups.

Juliet K. Choi, President and CEO of the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum, issued the following statement:

“As Administrator Oz assumes leadership of CMS, we look forward to seeing him fulfill his Senate hearing commitment to protecting and strengthening health care for all Americans, especially the most vulnerable. We urge him to safeguard Medicaid and Medicare from harmful cuts and to advance policies rooted in data-driven, evidence-based research that reduce health disparities.

“APIAHF remains committed to working with Administrator Oz and the Administration to ensure that every community—regardless of background—has access to high-quality, affordable health care.”

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The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) influences policy, mobilizes communities, and strengthens programs and organizations to improve the health of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders.