What is the role of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)?

The role of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is primarily focused on administering major healthcare programs, specifically Medicare and Medicaid. Medicare provides healthcare coverage primarily for individuals aged 65 and older, while Medicaid offers assistance to low-income individuals and families. The CMS is responsible for overseeing these programs, ensuring that they are implemented effectively and comply with federal regulations. This includes setting standards for care, managing funding, and continuously evaluating program performance to improve healthcare access and quality for beneficiaries.

The other options do not accurately reflect the primary function of CMS. Regulating medical education standards falls under different agencies and organizations, oversight of pharmaceutical companies is not the core role of CMS, and auditing healthcare organizations is a function typically associated with other entities. Thus, the correct answer highlights the central mission of CMS in managing these vital healthcare programs.