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 regulate and oversee the Medicare and Medicaid programs. CMS plays a critical role in ensuring that these programs operate effectively and efficiently, safeguarding the health care of millions of beneficiaries. This involves setting and enforcing standards for health care providers, overseeing the administration of benefits, and implementing policies that govern how care is delivered and reimbursed under these programs.

While enrolling new beneficiaries into Medicare and managing beneficiaries' medical records are important tasks, they fall within the broader scope of CMS's regulatory activities. Direct healthcare services are typically provided by healthcare professionals and institutions, not by CMS itself. Thus, the focus of CMS is on oversight and regulation rather than direct service delivery or record management. This understanding is essential for navigating the complex landscape of healthcare programs effectively.