Dr. Oz’s Confusing Math on Trump’s Drug Price Claims Raises Eyebrows

Dr. Mehmet Oz, the current administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, faced significant scrutiny during an interview on NBC News’ “Meet the Press” regarding claims made by former President Donald Trump about drug price reductions. Trump had asserted that his administration slashed prescription drug prices by up to 1,500 percent, a statement that raised eyebrows for its mathematical implications.

During the segment aired on March 15, 2024, anchor Kristen Welker challenged Oz to clarify how such drastic reductions could be possible. She pointed out that cutting prices by more than 100 percent would imply the drugs were effectively free. Oz’s response, however, suggested a misunderstanding of basic arithmetic principles. “The president does the calculation by saying, ‘OK, if a drug was $100 and you reduce it to $50, it’s 100 percent cheaper because you’re taking $50 off and leaving you with only $50,’” he explained.

This explanation perplexed Welker, who reminded Oz that Trump’s claim involved a 1,500 percent reduction. To put it in perspective, if a drug costing $100 were reduced by that percentage, it would result in a negative price of -$1,400. This scenario suggests that patients would be compensated for taking the medication, a notion Oz did not address directly.

As the interview progressed, Oz continued to reference figures from recent drug price discussions, stating, “if you take a drug that is $200 or $240 and reduce it to $10, those are the numbers you’re talking about.” Despite the baffling math, he shifted the focus to a broader question about why such changes had not been implemented sooner.

Dr. Oz, known for his background in medicine, has previously faced criticism for promoting controversial health claims and unproven treatments. His recent comments exemplify concerns regarding the credibility of individuals appointed to key health policy positions within the Trump administration.

Critics have pointed out that Oz’s attempts to explain such significant claims reflect a troubling trend in health policy discussions, where misinformation can overshadow critical issues affecting public health. As public discourse continues to evolve, the implications of these statements and the credibility of those delivering them remain under scrutiny.

The implications of Trump’s drug pricing claims, as well as the responses from officials like Oz, will likely remain a topic of discussion as the public and policymakers alike seek clarity on healthcare costs and access.