Gourt > Regional > North America > United States > Government > Executive Branch > Departments > Department of Health and Human Services > Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), previously known as the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA), is a federal agency within the United States Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) that administers the Medicare program and works in partnership with State governments to administer Medicaid, the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), and health insurance portability standards. In addition to these programs, CMS has other responsibilities, including the administrative simplification standards from the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), quality standards in long-term-care facilities (more commonly referred to as nursing homes) through its survey and certification process, and clinical laboratory quality standards under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments.
History
President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Social Security Act on July 20, 1965, establishing both Medicare and Medicaid. The Social Security Administration (SSA) became responsible for the administration of Medicare and the Social and Rehabilitation Service (SRS) became responsible for the administration of Medicaid. Both Agencies were organized under what was then known as the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare (HEW).
In 1977 the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) was established under HEW. HCFA became responsible for the coordination of Medicare and Medicaid. The responsibility for enrolling beneficiaries into Medicare and processing premium payments remained with SSA.
More on [ Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services ]
Children's Health Insurance Program :: Health Policy
Medicaid :: Health Policy
Know What to do about the Flu.
Thu, 22 Oct 2009 17:55:06 -0000
Seasonal flu shots are available right now. H1N1 (Swine) flu vaccine is being shipped and will soon be widely available.
Lower Your Costs During the Coverage Gap
This page will help you to learn 5 ways to lower your costs during the coverage gap.
Learn More About Plans in Your Area
Thu, 22 Oct 2009 18:00:39 -0000
Part of the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Finder tool that will help you to identify the plans in your state.
Medicare & You 2010
Thu, 22 Oct 2009 17:25:21 -0000
Medicare & You contains important information about what's new, health plans, prescription drug plans, and rights and protections to help people with Medicare review their coverage options and prepare to enroll in a new plan if they choose. It is available in both English and Spanish.Each fall, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services mails a geographic-specific version to all households of people with Medicare. In 2009, there are 59 geographic-specific versions with drug and health plan comparison charts for particular states or regions.
MyMedicare.gov
Thu, 22 Oct 2009 17:23:54 -0000
MyMedicare.gov provides direct Internet access to your Medicare benefits, eligibility, enrollment (including prescription drug plans) and preventive health information - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Visit the site, sign up, and Medicare will mail you a password to allow you access to your personal Medicare information. MyMedicare.gov also allows you to view your adjudicated claims information, access online forms and publications, and receive important messages from Medicare.
Medicaid Services (CMMS) - The newly named federal agency, formerly the Health Care Financing Administration, that administers the Medicare, Medicaid and Child Health Insurance programs.
State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) - Provide materials of interest to various audiences regarding the passage of SCHIP, also known as Title XXI, as part of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997. Manuals, plans, coverage information, and contacts are provided.
