Which of the following is primarily responsible for the administration of health insurance policies for Medicare?

The administration of health insurance policies for Medicare is primarily handled by insurance companies that have been approved or contracted by Medicare. These private insurance companies are tasked with managing the various Medicare plans, including Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D, which covers prescription drugs. They are responsible for processing claims, determining coverage, and paying benefits to healthcare providers and beneficiaries.

This system allows for a combination of public management with private delivery, giving beneficiaries a range of options under the Medicare program based on the plans offered by different approved insurance companies. Consequently, these companies play a crucial role in ensuring that Medicare beneficiaries receive appropriate coverage and access to healthcare services.

Other entities, such as the Department of Health and Human Services, oversee the overall administration and regulation of Medicare, but they do not handle the day-to-day management of insurance policies. State governments primarily focus on state-funded health programs and do not administer Medicare. Individual healthcare providers may bill Medicare for services rendered to patients, but they are not involved in the administration of Medicare insurance policies themselves.