Congressman Fong and Congressman Valadao Welcome Administrator Oz to Bakersfield for Healthcare Roundtable

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - This weekend, Congressman Vince Fong (CA-20) and Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) hosted Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz in Bakersfield for a roundtable focused on healthcare challenges facing the Central Valley. The conversation brought together healthcare providers from across the community to discuss H.R. 1, the new Rural Health Transformation Program, and upcoming CMS regulations and federal policies affecting both patients and providers.

Prior to the roundtable, Congressman Fong, Congressman Valadao, and Dr. Oz participated in a site visit at Kern Medical. During the tour, they saw Kern Medical's new mobile health clinics, the medical student union building, and had a chance to speak with the hospital's doctors and nurses about the lifesaving care they provide to the community.

"It was an honor to welcome CMS Administrator Dr. Oz to the Central Valley to hear directly from our community," said Congressman Fong. "Ensuring access to quality rural healthcare is essential, and his visit underscored the federal government's commitment to regions like ours. By engaging directly with local hospital leaders, Administrator Oz reaffirmed that the needs of Central Valley families are a priority. This weekend's policy roundtable with local healthcare providers continues our work to strengthen healthcare access across our region."

"Ensuring access to affordable, quality healthcare for Central Valley families is one of my top priorities, which is why I was honored to welcome CMS Administrator Oz to Bakersfield to hear directly from our local healthcare leaders," said Congressman Valadao. "For years, I've worked closely with providers, patients, and advocates to better understand the challenges facing our hospitals and rural communities, and today's conversation reinforced the importance of continued collaboration. I appreciate Administrator Oz taking the time to engage with those on the front lines, and I look forward to continuing to work together to make sure the implementation of new policies and regulations allow our providers to keep serving our region effectively."

"The Trump administration is investing $50 billion to transform rural health care across the country, including in California's Central Valley," said CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz. "But investing that money effectively means working closely with lawmakers and local stakeholders. That's why I was happy to attend today's roundtable with Congressman Valadao, Congressman Fong, members of the community, and representatives from more than two dozen Central Valley health care providers. By working together, we can help build a country where every American, regardless of ZIP code, has access to affordable, high-quality health care."

"Kern Medical appreciates the visit by Dr. Oz, Congressman Valadao, and Congressman Fong, and the opportunity to participate in a productive discussion with regional healthcare leaders. These conversations are important as policymakers continue to evaluate the challenges facing hospitals that serve rural and underserved communities. We value the opportunity to share information and perspectives and look forward to continued engagement with federal and state partners," said Scott Thygerson, Kern Medical CEO.

Attendees included representatives from Kern Medical, Kern Family Healthcare, Adventist Health Bakersfield, Sierra View Medical Center, Valley Fever Institute, Kaiser Permanente, Anthem Blue Cross, Kern County Public Health, Kings County Department of Public Health, Psychiatric Wellness Center, Kaweah Health Medical Center, Bakersfield Memorial Hospital, Alzheimer's Disease Association of Kern County, Clinica Sierra Vista, Hall Ambulance, Centric Health CA, Houchin Blood Bank, California Rural Indian Health Board, Inc., Valley Children's Healthcare, Bakersfield Pregnancy Center, Tulare Pregnancy Center, Ridgecrest Regional Hospital, Telehealth Docs Medical Group, Kern County Human Services, Family HealthCare Network, Saint Agnes Medical Center, Central Valley Health Network, Bakersfield American Indian Health Project, Quality Team HomeCare, Community Health System, and VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, in addition to other members of the community.

Click here for photos from the roundtable.