Who administers the Medicare program?

The Medicare program is administered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), which is a federal agency within the Department of Health and Human Services. CMS is responsible for overseeing the Medicare program, including setting policies, ensuring compliance with federal regulations, and managing the day-to-day operations of the program. This includes determining eligibility, processing claims, and working with healthcare providers to ensure that beneficiaries receive the necessary services and treatments.

CMS plays a critical role in the administration of Medicare, providing guidance, regulations, and procedures that impact how the program is delivered to millions of beneficiaries. It ensures that the program remains efficient, accessible, and in accordance with federal laws. The involvement of CMS helps create a standardization within the Medicare system, allowing for consistency in how services are provided and funded across different regions.

This administrative structure differentiates it from options such as private insurance companies or state governments, which may provide supplemental plans or services but do not have the overarching role in managing the Medicare program itself. The Department of Health and Human Services, while it oversees CMS, does not directly administer the Medicare program. Hence, the correct answer emphasizes the specific agency that directly manages Medicare.