Survey & Certification > Program Background

• Title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act provides insurance coverage for hospital, post-hospital, home health services, & hospice care for the aged and disabled.
• Title XIX (Medicaid) of the Act appropriates money to States for families with dependent children & for aged, blind, or disabled individuals, whose income & resources are insufficient to meet the costs of necessary medical services.
• Both titles mandate the establishment of minimum health & safety standards that must be met by providers & suppliers participating in the Medicare & Medicaid programs.