Meet the Press Meet the Press NOW — October 22
Oct 22, 2025
Dr. Mehmet Oz, Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, discusses the Affordable Care Act, arguing it’s dysfunctional and mentioning barriers to releasing a Republican replacement plan. He raises concerns over ACA subsidies and why he opposes extending COVID-era enhancements. Rep. Adam Smith, ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee, shares insights on U.S. national security, the implications of canceling the Trump-Putin summit, and the need for stronger support for Ukraine amidst ongoing conflicts.
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Administration Frames COVID Subsidies As Temporary
- Dr. Oz argues COVID-era enhanced ACA subsidies were temporary wartime measures and should not automatically be extended.
- He frames the larger issue as restructuring the ACA to reduce subsidy dependence and waste.
Subsidies Have Distorted ACA Market Dynamics
- Exchanges rely far more on government subsidies than originally modeled, reducing insurer price competition.
- Oz claims roughly 95% of exchange costs are government-subsidized, undermining market incentives.
Shutdown Blocks Policy Development, Oz Says
- Oz says the administration has policy ideas but shutdown and procedural hurdles prevented a unified replacement plan.
- He urges reopening the government with a clean CR to allow technical experts to work on solutions.