What department is the CMS agency a part of?

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is a federal agency that operates under the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This department is responsible for overseeing a wide range of health care programs, including Medicare and Medicaid, which are critical for providing health coverage to older adults and low-income individuals. The alignment with HHS indicates that CMS plays a significant role in public health initiatives and in ensuring access to quality health care services.

While other departments mentioned play roles in various aspects of health and social services, they do not encompass the full range of responsibilities and programs that CMS manages. For example, the Department of Insurance and Finance focuses more on regulating insurance practices, while the Department of Social Services deals primarily with welfare programs and family support rather than health care management. The Department of Health and Human Rights does not exist under the recognized structure of federal departments, highlighting the importance of identifying the correct context for CMS's operations. Thus, the association of CMS with the Department of Health and Human Services reflects its foundational role in the nation's health care system.