What is the primary role of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services?

The primary role of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is to administer the Medicare program. This includes overseeing the implementation of Medicare benefits, managing funding for the program, and ensuring compliance with federal laws and regulations related to Medicare services. CMS aims to provide health coverage primarily to individuals aged 65 and older, though it also serves some younger people with disabilities and certain conditions.

The focus of CMS on Medicare reflects its responsibilities in terms of providing access to health care and ensuring that beneficiaries receive the necessary medical services. This includes establishing guidelines for Medicare coverage, processing claims, and managing relationships with both healthcare providers and beneficiaries.

In contrast, managing all health insurance providers is beyond the scope of CMS, as individual states have their own regulatory bodies for overseeing insurance companies. Additionally, setting insurance premium rates is usually determined by individual insurance companies and state regulatory agencies rather than federal oversight by CMS. Lastly, overseeing life insurance contracts does not fall under the purview of CMS, as life insurance is typically regulated by state insurance departments rather than federal agencies.