Dr. Oz Miscalculates Trump’s Drug Price Cuts on NBC News

During a recent appearance on NBC News’ “Meet the Press,” Dr. Mehmet Oz, the current administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, struggled to clarify President Donald Trump‘s controversial assertion that prescription drug prices had been reduced by up to 1,500 percent. The exchange raised eyebrows, particularly regarding the mathematical implications of such a claim.

When host Kristen Welker prompted Oz about the feasibility of Trump’s assertion, he appeared to misinterpret basic arithmetic principles. Welker questioned, “Cutting drug prices by 400 percent — anything over 100 percent— wouldn’t that effectively make them free?” Oz’s response suggested confusion over the concept of percentage reductions in pricing.

Oz explained his interpretation using an example: “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.” Such reasoning, however, overlooks the fundamental math that a reduction of 1,500 percent on a price of $100 would result in a nonsensical figure of -1,400, implying that patients would be paid to take the drug rather than the reverse.

Despite Welker’s attempt to guide the conversation back to the president’s actual claim, Oz continued to discuss hypothetical price reductions without addressing the arithmetic inconsistencies. He cited a drug that costs $200 or $240, stating that reducing it to $10 exemplifies the administration’s efforts. He then shifted focus to question why such reductions had not been implemented sooner.

This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding Oz’s qualifications and credibility, particularly given his history of promoting misinformation throughout his career. While he is a certified physician, his previous endorsements of unverified health practices have led to skepticism about his role in public health policy.

In the broader context, Oz’s miscalculation reflects the challenges faced by the Trump administration in conveying accurate information regarding healthcare reforms. The administration’s approach to drug pricing has stirred debate among stakeholders, and Oz’s interpretation only complicates the narrative further.

As the public continues to grapple with the implications of such claims, experts will likely scrutinize the administration’s policies and their potential impact on healthcare costs moving forward. The importance of clear communication and accurate data cannot be overstated in shaping effective healthcare policy.