In 1965, the Social Security Act established both Medicare and Medicaid. Medicare was a responsibility of the Social Security Administration (SSA), while Federal assistance to the State Medicaid programs was administered by the Social and Rehabilitation Service (SRS). SSA and SRS were agencies in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare (HEW). In 1977, the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) was created under HEW to effectively coordinate Medicare and Medicaid. In 1980, HEW was divided into the Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services. In 2001, HCFA was renamed the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. CMS is the federal agency which administers the Medicare Program. Currently, Medicare provides coverage to approximately 40 million Americans. Medicare is the national health insurance program for people age 65 or older, some people under age 65 with disabilities, and people with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).
Medicare: Requirements
If you are experiencing a problem with Medicare, please complete, print, and sign the Privacy Act waiver. You may fax or mail the completed form with any supporting documentation to the office that serves your area.
If you have any questions, please call our Washington Office at 866-850-3855.