What does the acronym CMS stand for in healthcare administration?

The acronym CMS stands for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. This agency is pivotal in the administration of the nation’s major healthcare programs. It oversees the federal Medicare program, which provides health coverage to individuals aged 65 and older and certain younger people with disabilities, as well as the Medicaid program, which offers health coverage to eligible low-income individuals and families.

CMS plays a significant role in healthcare administration by establishing regulations, overseeing compliance, and implementing policies that affect a vast number of beneficiaries and healthcare providers. Its functions include setting payment rates, ensuring quality checks in healthcare programs, and driving innovations in healthcare delivery and payment systems. This comprehensive oversight directly impacts healthcare facilities, including nursing homes, making familiarity with CMS essential for nursing home administrators to ensure compliance and effective operation within the regulations governed by this agency.