Click here to listen to Scott Hennen’s full conversation with Dr. Mehmet Oz.
WASHINGTON – Even though the federal government splits the costs of Medicare and Medicaid with states, North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong has signaled he would accept less money in exchange for more control of the programs
During an exclusive interview on The Flag at The White House, Scott Hennen asked administrator of Medicare and Medicaid Services Dr. Mehmet Oz about that policy.
“The whole mechanism by which you make those changes is depending on the leadership of the states. I think it’s critical that we allow governors to talk to each other and find the best path forward because not all governors are as passionate or understand health that well,” Oz explained.
The physician and former TV show host mentioned Minnesota and North Dakota have a role for producing healthy food, and too many people are eating things that are unhealthy and have a longer shelf life.
“A lot of it is the processing that happens after the harvest, so it’s that holistic approach that moves the needle for us. There’s a shortcut to a problem. That’s where the attention ought to be placed.
Hennen also asked Oz about concerns over agriculture production. Some farmers are worried about Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Junior trying to reform typical ag practices.
“What ever little bit he doesn’t know, Brooke Rollins is teaching us, Secretary of Agriculture, so you have strong advocates within the government. The president is not going to do things that hurt agriculture, either,”
Newsweek reports Farm Action has revoked its endorsement of Kennedy, grading his “Make America Healthy Again” policies a D+.
North Dakota Senator Kevin Cramer has invited Dr. Oz to come to North Dakota in October.