Who administers the Medicare program?

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) administers the Medicare program. CMS is a federal agency within the Department of Health and Human Services, responsible for overseeing various health programs, including Medicare and Medicaid. Medicare, specifically, is a national health insurance program primarily for individuals aged 65 and older, as well as certain younger individuals with disabilities.

CMS plays a critical role in managing the implementation of benefits, ensuring compliance with federal regulations, and overseeing the reimbursement processes associated with healthcare providers. By managing Medicare, CMS ensures that beneficiaries receive necessary healthcare services and that providers are compensated for their services.

This choice reflects the precise administrative function of CMS in the Medicare program, while the other options, although involved in healthcare or health services, do not specifically administer Medicare. The Department of Health and Human Services encompasses multiple agencies, including CMS, but it does not directly administer the Medicare program. The Social Security Administration handles the enrollment and eligibility determinations for Medicare beneficiaries but does not manage the program itself. The National Institutes of Health primarily focuses on medical research and does not administer health insurance programs like Medicare.