Watch: Dr. Oz questions the legality of ACA coverage for millions of Americans

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Director Dr. Mehmet Oz on Wednesday questioned the legality of Affordable Care Act coverage for many Americans, saying that “half” of people enrolled in subsidized health insurance plans “filed no claims last year.”

Watch Oz’s remarks in the video player above.

More than 24 million Americans rely on the Affordable Care Act for health insurance, with the battle over extending subsidies a major sticking point in negotiations between lawmakers on Capitol Hill as the government shutdown continues with no end in sight.

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“I have to ask myself — and you should ask yourself, too — if I have insurance, why would I never use it?” Oz told a reporter during an announcement about drug pricing. “The concern that has been raised is that a significant number of the 12 million people who never used their insurance last year may not legally have insurance, know they have insurance, and want to have it.”

Oz also said the enhanced premium tax credits that made health insurance more affordable for ACA enrollees were intended as a short-term pandemic solution and should be allowed to expire at the end of the year.

“I think we all agree that the coronavirus is over,” Oz said. “Therefore, Covid-era subsidies must also be passed.”

His comments go further than what some of President Donald Trump’s allies have said on the issue that has divided Congress.

Democrats are calling for an extension of the tax breaks, while Republican leaders say they are willing to negotiate the issue once the government reopens. Open enrollment for ACA plans begins Saturday.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.