Which type of insurance is primarily regulated by the federal government?

Medicare is primarily regulated by the federal government, primarily because it is a federal health insurance program established under the Social Security Act. It provides health coverage to individuals aged 65 and older, as well as younger individuals with disabilities or certain health conditions, such as End-Stage Renal Disease.

The program is funded through federal income taxes, premiums from beneficiaries, and general revenue, allowing the federal government to have a significant role in its administration and regulations. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), a federal agency, oversees the operation and regulation of Medicare.

While Medicaid is a joint federal-state program that provides health insurance to low-income individuals and families, it is primarily administered and regulated at the state level, though the federal government sets certain guidelines and funding requirements.

In contrast, private insurance is not regulated by the federal government but rather by state governments, following state-specific laws and regulations. Understanding the regulatory differences among these insurance types is essential in grasping the framework of healthcare policy in the United States, particularly the roles of federal and state governments in providing health coverage.