Certified in Healthcare Compliance (CHC) Practice Test

What federal agency administers Medicare and Medicaid programs?

1. FDA

2. CDC

3. Department of Health and Human Services

4. Office of Inspector General

The correct answer is: Department of Health and Human Services

The correct answer is the Department of Health and Human Services. This federal agency plays a crucial role in overseeing and administering various health programs, including Medicare and Medicaid, which provide healthcare coverage to millions of Americans. Medicare mainly serves individuals who are 65 and older or those with certain disabilities, while Medicaid provides assistance to low-income families and individuals. The Department of Health and Human Services is instrumental in establishing policies and guidelines that govern how these programs operate, ensuring compliance with federal regulations, and working to improve healthcare access and quality for beneficiaries. The other agencies listed do not have this specific focus. For instance, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) is primarily responsible for regulating food safety, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) focuses on public health and safety, particularly in disease prevention and control. The Office of Inspector General operates within various federal agencies and primarily deals with audits and investigations related to healthcare fraud and abuse but does not administer Medicare and Medicaid themselves.