Who administers the Medicare program?

The administration of the Medicare program falls under the jurisdiction of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). CMS is a federal agency within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) tasked with overseeing various healthcare programs, including Medicare, which provides health insurance primarily for individuals aged 65 and older, as well as some younger people with disabilities. The agency handles the implementation of regulations, the management of services provided, and the overall coordination of this essential healthcare program.

The other organizations mentioned, such as the CDC, NIH, and FDA, have distinct roles in the realm of public health and safety but do not govern Medicare. The CDC focuses on disease control and prevention, the NIH conducts medical research, and the FDA is responsible for the regulation of food and drug safety. Understanding the specific roles of these agencies clarifies why CMS is the correct answer for the administration of Medicare.