What is the primary focus of the CMS in healthcare?

The primary focus of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is indeed to oversee the Medicare and Medicaid programs. CMS plays a crucial role in managing these federal health care programs that provide health care coverage to millions of Americans, including seniors, low-income individuals, and people with disabilities. Through this oversight, CMS ensures compliance with regulations, sets policy guidelines, and works to improve quality and access to health care services for beneficiaries.

CMS also establishes payment systems, sets standards for providers, and implements regulations to ensure that these programs operate effectively and efficiently. This oversight is critical for maintaining the integrity and sustainability of both Medicare and Medicaid, as they are significant components of the U.S. healthcare landscape. By focusing on these programs, CMS aims to promote better health outcomes, lower costs, and improve the overall healthcare system.

The other options, while important in their own contexts, do not represent the primary focus of CMS. Regulating pharmaceutical companies primarily falls under the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), controlling health insurance rates involves various state and federal regulatory bodies, and managing clinical trial approvals is also largely the responsibility of the FDA.