CMS stands for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. It's a federal agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that oversees several major health coverage programs, including: 

• Medicare — health coverage primarily for people age 65 and older, and for some younger people with certain disabilities or conditions 
• Medicaid — a joint federal and state program that helps cover healthcare costs for people with limited income 
• The Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) 
• Health Insurance Marketplace oversight under the Affordable Care Act 
  

CMS sets the rules for how these programs work, oversees the private insurance companies that offer certain Medicare plans, and maintains official public resources — including Medicare.gov. ClearMatch abides by all rules and regulations to ensure all information being shared online and by our licensed insurance Agents is accurate and unbiased.

What Is Medicare.gov? 

Medicare.gov is the official U.S. government website for Medicare, run directly by CMS.

Because it's a government-run resource, Medicare.gov doesn't promote one plan over another. It exists purely to help people understand their options, find plans available in their area, and use their Medicare benefits. 

How to Access Medicare.gov 

Getting to the official Medicare website is simple: 

1. Go directly to www.medicare.gov in your web browser. 
2. If you need to log in to manage personal Medicare information, you'll be directed to create or use a Medicare.gov account (formerly MyMedicare.gov). 
3. If you prefer speaking with someone directly, you can call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048. 

Tips for Making Sure You're Getting Accurate Information 

With so much Medicare-related content online, it helps to know how to spot reliable sources: 

• Check the URL. The official government site is Medicare.gov. ClearMatch is not a government run website, but follows all required regulations and provides helpful, unbiased information about Medicare plans.
• Be cautious of unsolicited calls or emails claiming to be from "Medicare" asking for personal information. Medicare will not call you uninvited to ask for your Medicare number, Social Security number, or banking details. 
• When comparing plans, remember that private companies offering Medicare Advantage or Part D plans are approved by CMS but are not the government itself. ClearMatch works with the largest carriers nationwide, making myclearmatch.com a great resource for comparing Medicare plan options in your area. You can always speak to a ClearMatch licensed insurance agent who can walk through your options with you.

Where to Go From Here

Whether you're new to Medicare, helping a family member navigate their options, or just double-checking your current coverage, ClearMatch is a great resource for finding accurate, helpful, and unbiased Medicare information. It's important to note that ClearMatch is not the government, but does abide by all regulations driven by CMS, making it a trustworthy source for your Medicare needs.

This website and its content are not connected to or endorsed by the U.S. government, CMS, or Medicare.gov. For official Medicare information, enrollment, or account access, visit www.medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).