Who is responsible for issuing Medicare coverage?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) plays a crucial role in the administration of Medicare coverage. While the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is the federal agency responsible for running the Medicare program, the SSA is tasked with processing applications for Medicare, especially for individuals who are nearing retirement age or who qualify due to disability. When people apply for Social Security benefits, the SSA automatically enrolls them in Medicare when they reach age 65 or if they meet disability criteria. This significant link between Social Security and Medicare means that the SSA acts as a key facilitator in ensuring that eligible individuals receive their Medicare coverage.

The other entities listed do not have the primary role of managing or administering Medicare. State government agencies may have programs that interact with Medicare, but they do not issue Medicare coverage. Private insurance companies can offer supplemental plans for Medicare, known as Medigap, but do not have any authority over Medicare coverage itself. The Department of Labor is primarily involved in workplace-related issues and does not oversee Medicare.