Who oversees Medicare?

Medicare is a federal health insurance program in the United States that primarily serves individuals aged 65 and older, as well as certain younger individuals with disabilities. The oversight and administration of Medicare are handled by several government agencies:

1. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS): The CMS is the primary agency responsible for overseeing and administering the Medicare program. It is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). CMS is responsible for making and enforcing regulations, managing enrollment, coordinating benefits, and ensuring the program's overall operation.

2. Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC): MedPAC is an independent congressional agency that provides recommendations to Congress on issues related to Medicare. It advises on issues such as payment rates, program design, and access to care for Medicare beneficiaries.

3. Social Security Administration (SSA): While CMS is responsible for the day-to-day administration of Medicare, the SSA plays a role in processing applications and managing certain aspects of enrollment, particularly for individuals who are initially applying for Social Security benefits and Medicare at the same time (e.g., those reaching the age of 65).

4. State Agencies: Some aspects of Medicare are managed at the state level. For example, state Medicaid agencies often work in partnership with CMS to administer certain parts of the Medicare program, such as the Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) program, which helps Medicare beneficiaries with limited income and resources pay for prescription drugs.

It's important to note that Medicare is a complex program with different parts (e.g., Part A, Part B, Part C, Part D), and its oversight and administration involve multiple government entities at the federal and state levels. These agencies work together to ensure the program functions smoothly and provides healthcare coverage to eligible beneficiaries.