CMS Pub. 100-01, ch. 1, § 30.1

The CMS is responsible for policy formulation. The central and regional offices are responsible

for the general management and operation of the program. In brief, CMS's responsibilities

include the following:

• Determining an individual's entitlement to benefits in consultation with the Social

Security Administration (SSA);

• Determining the nature and duration of services for which a beneficiary's benefits may be

paid;

• Establishing, maintaining, and administering agreements with State agencies, providers

of services, and A/B MACs (A) and (HHH);

• Establishing operational policy for contractors;

• Developing operational instructions and official interpretations of policy for contractors;

• Formulating major policies regarding conditions of participation for providers in

consultation with the Public Health Service;

• Developing and maintaining statistical research and actuarial programs; and

• Managing general finances of the program; and

• Managing the Medicare Premium Collection Operation.

The regional offices are responsible for assuring that contractors meet applicable Federal

requirements under the provisions of their contracts. They also:

• Provide liaison, direction, and technical assistance to contractors in the day-to-day

management of their operations;

• Interpret CMS guidelines, policies, and procedures applicable to contractor activities;

• Analyze contractor budgets and spending patterns to assure that funds are economically

and appropriately utilized;

• Conduct assessments of contractor operations;

• Review contractor actions; and

• Provide feedback to each contractor.