What is the primary responsibility of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)?

The primary responsibility of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is to oversee Medicare and Medicaid programs. CMS is a federal agency within the Department of Health and Human Services that manages these vital healthcare programs, ensuring they run effectively and that beneficiaries receive necessary health services. Medicare primarily serves individuals aged 65 and older, as well as some younger people with disabilities, while Medicaid offers coverage to eligible low-income individuals and families.

This focus on overseeing Medicare and Medicaid includes setting standards, implementing policies, and ensuring compliance with regulations. CMS is also involved in managing funding and providing guidance to states regarding Medicaid, as well as overseeing the administration of Medicare benefits.

Other options such as providing funding for private healthcare or regulating pharmaceutical prices fall outside the main scope of CMS responsibilities. Additionally, CMS does not exclusively administer health insurance plans for the elderly; rather, it encompasses a broader range of populations through both Medicare and Medicaid.