Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) SLC Practice Exam

What agency is responsible for administering Medicare and overseeing Medicaid?

1. Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Administration

2. Department of Health and Human Services

3. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

4. Health Policy Advisory Board

The correct answer is: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

The responsible agency for administering Medicare and overseeing Medicaid is the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. This agency, often abbreviated as CMS, operates under the Department of Health and Human Services and plays a crucial role in the management of the two programs. Medicare provides health insurance primarily for individuals aged 65 and older, as well as certain younger individuals with disabilities, while Medicaid is a program that assists low-income individuals and families by providing them with health coverage. The designation of CMS as the responsible agency is rooted in its specific mandate to ensure effective management of these critical healthcare programs, perform quality assurance, and enforce compliance with healthcare laws and regulations. The agency also conducts research, collects data, and oversees the implementation of policies that improve access to healthcare services across the country. This vital work underscores the importance of CMS in the framework of public health and welfare provided by the federal government.