The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is the Federal Agency responsible for the administration of health insurance programs for over 74 million elderly, disabled, and low-income Americans. Our job is to assure health care security for these beneficiaries by managing the expenditure of approximately $250 billion dollars per year to administer the Medicare, Medicaid and the State Children's Health Insurance Programs. In addition to these programs, CMS also has responsibility for the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, and oversight of Medigap insurance. To provide quality service to beneficiaries throughout the country, CMS has a central office located in Baltimore with offices in Washington, DC and regional offices located in Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Dallas, Kansas City, Chicago, Denver, San Francisco and Seattle.

To accomplish the ambitious task of providing access to health care for the most vulnerable populations, CMS must hire and maintain a workforce capable of meeting the needs of its beneficiaries today and in the future. CMS knows that one of the best ways to achieve this goal is to recruit students to serve in various positions throughout the Agency.

CMS offers four student programs for high school and college level students. These programs can provide the required internship experience for some degree and certificate seeking programs. They also provide general work experience, and an opportunity to put what is learned in the classroom to use in the workplace. Students from all majors and schools may apply to participate in these programs. Applications are accepted throughout the year.