What is a key responsibility of CMS?

A key responsibility of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) lies in overseeing Medicare and Medicaid programs. This involves managing and implementing policies that govern these vital healthcare programs, ensuring compliance with federal regulations, and safeguarding the integrity of the programs. CMS plays a crucial role in monitoring the quality of care provided under these programs, enforcing standards, and establishing payment systems for providers. By effectively managing Medicare and Medicaid, CMS helps ensure that millions of Americans have access to necessary health services, which underscores its significant impact on public health.

The other options describe activities that, while important in the healthcare landscape, do not fall under CMS's core responsibilities. Developing healthcare policies is a broader task that involves various stakeholders beyond just CMS, conducting research on health outcomes is typically the role of research institutions and academic organizations, and providing healthcare services is handled by healthcare providers and facilities, not CMS itself.