Usually a 12 months period of time for which a contract is written and during which a group’s deductibles, maximums and other provisions apply. This may or may not be the same as a calendar year. Also known as the benefit year.
The federal agency responsible for administering the Medicare, Medicaid, State . Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), HIPAA, and the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) programs. CMS is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.