Fox news’ Kayleigh McEnany ‘stunned’ after Dr. Mehmet Oz says he’s been sued 150 times over Obamacare under Trump

Fox News host Kayleigh McEnany was visibly stunned during an interview on September 12, when Dr. Mehmet Oz claimed he had been sued 150 times over the Donald Trump administration’s efforts to investigate Obamacare eligibility and spending.

Oz, who is leading the Trump administration’s Medicare and Medicaid efforts, made the claim while discussing what he described as widespread problems with enrollment in the Affordable Care Act.

Dr. Mehmet Oz questions Obamacare enrollment numbers

Oz said that census data raises questions about how many people are receiving Obamacare assistance, especially those getting coverage without paying a monthly premium.

“The census reports how many people live in a county and how much money they make. Obamacare pays people if they’re living between one and four times the poverty level. The census tells us how many people would be eligible for that reason to be on Obamacare,” he said.

He cited Florida as an example, saying the number of people receiving benefits in the zero-dollar category was several times higher than the number he believed could qualify based on the available population and income data.

“It’s impossible! I don’t even have to pretend to make this stuff up; it’s right there!” Oz said.

Oz argued that the issue extends beyond Florida because federal money is being used to cover the cost.

“It’s happening in Florida, but it’s coming out of your pocket in every state in the country to pay for this stuff,” he added.

Kayleigh McEnany reacts to Oz’s 150-lawsuit claim

Oz went on to describe the lawsuits he says have been filed against him over his work on Obamacare.

“And it’s infuriating because now that we know it and we’re trying to go after it, activist Democratic groups are suing us. I’ve been sued 150 times” Oz said.

“No!” McEnany exclaimed, appearing taken aback by the number.

Oz accused activist groups of trying to prevent the administration from checking whether people receiving Obamacare assistance actually meet the income requirements.

He also mentioned one organization that he said he believed was funded by George Soros, while qualifying the claim himself.

“I don’t know that for sure, but funded by activist Democrats,” Oz said.

Oz defends checking recipients’ income

Oz said verifying income is necessary if the administration is expected to determine whether someone qualifies for Obamacare assistance.

“How can I tell if I can’t check your tax returns?” he said.

Then, he criticized the legal challenges against the administration’s efforts, calling them part of “legal warfare” against a program he said officials were “actually trying to save.”

Oz put it more bluntly earlier in the interview, claiming, “All they’re trying to do is shut down our ability to check how much money people are making. The Obamacare rule is: you only get it if you’re between one and four times poverty.”

Oz says Trump approved $500 Obamacare payments

The 66-year-old made the comments as the Trump administration continues to focus on government spending and who qualifies for federal benefits.

He also spoke about another initiative involving money collected through Obamacare-related fees.

According to Oz, Trump authorized the administration to distribute $500 to one million Americans who are enrolled in Obamacare but are not receiving a subsidy.

“Let’s give the money to people who deserve it!” he said.