What does CMS stand for in healthcare?

CMS stands for Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which is a federal agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This agency is responsible for administering the nation’s major healthcare programs: Medicare, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and the Health Insurance Marketplace.

Understanding CMS's role is crucial for healthcare workers, including CNAs, as it influences the policies and regulations that affect patient care and reimbursement practices. The agency sets standards for patient care and services provided to individuals enrolled in these programs, aiming to ensure high quality and accessibility in healthcare delivery.

The acronym includes "Medicare" and "Medicaid," signifying its focus on these programs, which are key to providing health coverage for millions of Americans, particularly the elderly and those with low income. The other options mentioned do not accurately reflect the proper agency name or may refer to organizations that do not exist or are not related to the core functions of CMS in the healthcare system.