13 hours ago
Small changes to daily habits could dramatically reduce health care costs in the U.S., according to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz.
In a recent interview on New York’s WABC-AM, Oz emphasized that Americans don’t need drastic lifestyle changes to improve health outcomes and ease the financial burden on the nation’s health system.
How Health Habits Affect National Health Costs
The longtime heart surgeon explained that the solution can be surprisingly simple.
“If we get the average person right now walking around New York to eat a little better today and just walk 10, 15 minutes a day, that saves us a ton of money,” Oz said. “And you’re healthy enough to watch your grandkids graduate from high school.”
Oz argued that improving everyday habits could significantly reduce the long-term costs of programs like Medicare and Medicaid.
He highlighted that preventive health measures, including better nutrition and moderate daily activity, could lower the prevalence of chronic diseases that drive much of the nation’s medical spending.
Health experts increasingly prioritize preventive care as Americans seek ways to stay healthier and avoid costly medical treatments later in life. Wellness centers focused on prevention — such as Valley Center Wellness — emphasize nutrition, movement, and long-term lifestyle strategies designed to address risk factors early and help patients maintain better health as they age.
“The way we win the battle on health expenses in America, the way we make it more affordable is to get healthier as a people,” Oz told WABC-AM.
He also noted that many doctors historically receive little training in nutrition, which affects how patients are advised about diet.
“Unfortunately, most doctors aren’t taught nutrition,” he said. “We think if we didn’t learn it in medical school, it can’t be important. So we don’t teach it to our patients.”
Oz mentioned that medical schools are beginning to address this gap, and increased nutrition education could improve long-term public health outcomes.
Medicaid Spending And State Costs
Oz also addressed rising Medicaid costs in some states, pointing to increasing Medicaid expenses and arguing that waste and abuse within the system contribute significantly to spending.
He singled out New York as an example.
“In New York State, per resident of the state, New York State is so much more expensive than any other state, 80% more than the national average,” Oz told WABC-AM. “We’re spending hundreds of billions of dollars on things in America that are fraudulent or wasteful or abusive to the system.”
Oz noted that some programs have expanded in ways that blur the line between health care assistance and job creation.
Personal care services, which include helping patients with everyday activities such as household tasks or mobility, have grown rapidly in New York.
“The entire state’s No. 1 job is personal care services,” Oz said. “It’s not retail anymore.”
He suggested that some of these services cover tasks families previously handled themselves, increasing costs when Medicaid pays for them.
“You’re basically paying people to do things they would have done anyway,” he explained.
Oz stressed that programs must be protected from abuse to remain sustainable for those who truly rely on them.
Fraud And Technology In Health Programs
Oz also discussed the financial pressure on federal health programs, stating that fraud and waste cost taxpayers enormous sums annually.
“Every year we’re losing a hundred billion dollars in Medicare, Medicaid,” Oz said.
He argued that new artificial intelligence tools could help detect suspicious billing patterns and fraudulent claims, potentially saving large amounts of money.
“If we can just take the fraud out of Medicare, the trust fund doubles in life expectancy. Doubles,” Oz told WABC-AM.
Still, Oz emphasized that improving public health remains one of the most powerful tools to control health spending.
Small everyday habits, he said, could make a major difference.
“Skip the dessert, eat real food, and don’t make it too hard,” Oz said.
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This article Dr. Oz Says Small Lifestyle Changes Could Save 'A Ton Of Money' In Healthcare Costs. Just Eat Better And Walk 10 To 15 Minutes A Day originally appeared on Benzinga.com
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