Federal jurisdiction
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is a federal executive department. Its divisions administer federal programs and oversight, while states, territories, tribes, local agencies, plans, or other partners may handle individual applications.
HHS divisions relevant to common paperwork
- The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) oversees Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, and the Health Insurance Marketplace at the federal level.
- The Administration for Community Living (ACL) supports services and counseling resources for older adults and people with disabilities, including the State Health Insurance Assistance Program network.
- The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) includes the Office of Community Services, which administers the federal LIHEAP framework and official program contacts.
- Other HHS divisions work on public health, medical research, food and drug safety, behavioral health, and services for families and communities.
Where applications are decided
The federal department does not decide every case. Medicaid and CHIP are administered by state and territory agencies under federal requirements. LIHEAP applications go to the designated state, territory, tribal, or local program. Medicare enrollment may involve Social Security, CMS systems, or a Medicare plan depending on the action.
What HHS does not manage
- Social Security retirement, disability, survivor, or SSI benefit decisions.
- State driver licenses, vital records, unemployment insurance, or federal tax returns.
- Every local health or human-services program merely because it receives federal funding.
Official service channels
Related WhatDoIFile resources
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
- Administration for Community Living
- Office of Community Services
- Sign up for Medicare
- Apply for Medicaid
- Apply for LIHEAP energy assistance