Who is responsible for the oversight of the Medicare and Medicaid Programs?

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is the federal agency responsible for overseeing the Medicare and Medicaid programs. This oversight includes managing the implementation of regulations, ensuring compliance with laws, and overseeing the quality of services provided under these programs.

CMS plays a critical role in setting policy guidelines, administering the programs, and ensuring that beneficiaries receive the services they are entitled to. The agency also manages the funding and reimbursement processes, which are essential for the operation of Medicare and Medicaid services across the country.

While other agencies like the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) oversee broader healthcare issues and the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) focuses on civil rights and patient privacy, it is CMS that specifically handles the operational and regulatory functions of Medicare and Medicaid. The Defense Acquisition Forum (DAF) does not pertain to healthcare oversight, making it irrelevant in this context. Thus, CMS is correctly identified as the entity in charge of overseeing these vital programs.