Lesson 2.1 — Medicare Behind the Scenes: Roles and Responsibilities
Medicare is administered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), while enrollment is handled by the Social Security Administration. This division often causes confusion for new enrollees.
Social Security manages enrollment and collects premiums, while Medicare establishes coverage rules and regulations. Medicare supplemental options are delivered through private insurance companies that must follow Medicare’s guidelines.
Understanding who does what helps prevent enrollment delays, missed steps, and unnecessary frustration.
Three Key Points
- Enrollment in Parts A & B, and their premiums, are handled through Social Security.
- Coverage rules and regulations are set by Medicare.
- Private insurers offering supplemental coverage must follow Medicare’s regulations.