Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is a federal agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that administers the country's major public health-insurance programs. Headquartered in the Baltimore, Maryland area, it oversees coverage for a large share of the U.S. population. CMS administers Medicare, works with states to administer Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program, and oversees aspects of the health-insurance marketplaces and certain quality and safety standards for healthcare providers. Its responsibilities include setting payment policies, issuing regulations, and managing program integrity efforts. As one of the largest purchasers of healthcare in the United States, its decisions significantly influence healthcare financing and delivery nationwide.