Which organization oversees the Medicare program and ensures compliance with federal guidelines?

• A. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
• B. Food and Drug Administration
• C. Department of Health and Human Services
• D. Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Answer: (A)

Medicare is run and regulated by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. This agency designs Medicare policy, manages benefit administration, handles claims and reimbursement processes (often through contractors), and runs compliance and enforcement programs to ensure providers follow federal rules. The other options have different roles: the FDA regulates foods, drugs, and medical devices; OSHA, under the Department of Labor, focuses on workplace safety; and while the Department of Health and Human Services is the umbrella organization that includes CMS, it is CMS specifically that oversees Medicare operations.