ATLANTIC CITY – Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), visited AtlantiCare last week for one of his first integrated health system visits since assuming the role.
The visit brought national focus to southeastern New Jersey through critical conversations, elevating the role of health systems in advancing care and evaluating policy efficacy on the ground.
Hosted by AtlantiCare President and CEO Michael Charlton, Oz’s visit included a tour of Atlantic City, with stops at AtlantiCare’s medical facilities, regional educational institutions, and community outreach sites. The tour showcased ongoing efforts to position Atlantic City as a destination for health care, education, and innovation — sectors that are proven drivers of economic revitalization and long-term regional growth.
Following the tour, Oz joined a private roundtable with leaders from health care, government, education, and technology to discuss how national programs like Medicare and Medicaid remain vital to the communities served by regional health systems. The conversation centered on how evolving federal policy intersects with the day-to-day delivery of care — and the need for reforms that improve access, reduce complexity, and strengthen equity.
Leaders shared insights on the administrative and clinical impacts of prior authorization, raising concerns about care delays and provider burden. They also discussed technology opportunities and regulatory relief, referencing recommendations from the American Hospital Association to streamline operations and ease administrative strain. Their input helped advance constructive dialogue about aligning federal policy with the practical realities facing health systems nationwide.
“We were honored to welcome Dr. Oz to AtlantiCare today,” Charlton said. “As a health system serving southern New Jersey — including Atlantic City, a community marked by both extraordinary need and untapped potential — we were proud to host this important conversation.”
“AtlantiCare is small enough to be nimble in our transformation efforts, yet big enough to matter and make a real difference,” he added. “That’s what allows us to move fast, build partnerships that matter, and create real outcomes. Today’s discussion made clear how important it is for national policy to stay grounded in what’s actually happening on the front lines.”
Oz noted the value of hearing directly from leaders about their concerns. “I was pleased to join leaders from healthcare, education, government, and technology at AtlantiCare for a thoughtful and solutions-driven conversation,” Oz said. “AtlantiCare’s vision is transformative for the city of Atlantic City and an approach that other health systems could model.”
Courtesy of AtlantiCare/Special to the Sentinel