What role does the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have regarding Medicare?

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is primarily responsible for regulating and overseeing Medicare programs. This encompasses the implementation of policies, guidelines, and regulations that govern how the Medicare program operates. CMS ensures compliance with federal laws and standards, manages the enrollment process for beneficiaries, and oversees the financial performance of the Medicare program. This regulatory role is essential to maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of Medicare, ensuring that it meets the healthcare needs of eligible beneficiaries while adhering to legal and operational standards.

This focus on regulation and oversight differentiates CMS from other roles that may be associated with healthcare, such as managing health care expenses, providing funding for medical research, or creating marketing strategies, which are not core functions of CMS in relation to Medicare.