Health Care Financing Administration

The Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA), now known as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), is a U.S. government agency that oversees healthcare programs, primarily Medicare, which provides health coverage for seniors, and Medicaid, which offers support for low-income individuals and families. HCFA/CMS ensures that these programs run efficiently, establishes regulations, and works to improve healthcare quality and access. It plays a crucial role in financing and managing healthcare services, making healthcare more affordable for millions of Americans. The agency also collects and evaluates data to enhance health outcomes and policy decisions.