Which organization administers the Medicare program?

• A. Department of Health and Human Services
• B. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
• C. National Institutes of Health
• D. Social Security Administration

Answer: (B)

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is the organization that administers the Medicare program. This agency is responsible for overseeing the Medicare program, which includes managing enrollment, determining eligibility, and ensuring compliance with federal healthcare regulations. CMS plays a critical role in the operation of Medicare by establishing guidelines and policies that uphold the integrity and functionality of the program.

While the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) oversees CMS and has broader health-related responsibilities, it is the CMS that specifically administers Medicare. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) focuses primarily on biomedical research, and the Social Security Administration (SSA) handles retirement and disability benefits, as well as eligibility for Medicare but does not administer the program directly. Therefore, the correct choice is the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, as it specifically fulfills the role of managing and implementing the Medicare program.