Certified Materials and Resource Professional Practice

The primary responsibility of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is to oversee Medicare and Medicaid programs. CMS plays a critical role in ensuring that these federal health care programs function effectively, providing coverage and services to eligible individuals. Medicare primarily supports elderly individuals and certain disabled persons, while Medicaid serves low-income individuals and families, giving them access to essential health services. CMS develops policies, regulates the health care providers and insurers involved, and monitors the effectiveness of these programs, ensuring compliance with federal guidelines. The other options refer to activities that fall outside the main mandate of CMS. Regulating public health policies is typically done by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or similar public health agencies. Conducting medical research is primarily the domain of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Managing pharmaceutical approvals is the responsibility of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which focuses on ensuring the safety and efficacy of medications before they reach the market.