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About CMS Headquarters

NOTE: This document provides information on getting to and around the CMS Headquarters campus in Baltimore, MD.

Established in 1977, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) serves the Medicare, Medicaid, and State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) populations. CMS employs approximately 4,100 employees, of which 2,700 are located at our headquarters in Baltimore, Maryland, and the remainder in Washington, D.C. and 10 regional offices nationwide. Our new facility, completed in May 1995, contains state-of-the-art electronic, voice, and data communications technologies. Our new information technology capabilities such as satellite broadcasting, teleproduction facilities, and a centralized data center, will enable us to serve the health care needs of beneficiaries well into the 21st century. If you would like to find out more about CMS's headquarters, click on the links below or contact our Customer Service Team on (410) 786-2165.

Sections

• Address
• Directions to CMS
• Public Transportation
• Campus
• Parking
• Security
• Smoking Policy (Updated)
• Space Numbers and Directional Signs
• Location Directory
• Housekeeping Rules
• Auditorium/Multipurpose Room
• Sodexho Crossroads Cafe and Food Court
• Telephone Numbers

Illustrations

• CMS Complex Map (.pdf, 32 KB)
• CMS Conference Center
• CMS Training Center

Address

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
7500 Security Boulevard
Baltimore, Maryland 21244-1850

(For deliveries and overnight couriers, use the above address. Contact Mail Services on (410) 786-7887 if you require additional information.)

Directions

Driving Directions

The CMS complex is within easy driving distance of Washington D.C. (35 miles), Philadelphia (100 miles), and New York City (185 miles). The Baltimore metropolitan area is served by a network of modern highways including the Baltimore Beltway (I-695), which circles Baltimore and connects with the Baltimore-Washington Parkway (MD-295), I-70, I-83, I-195 and the JFK Highway (I-95).

• Southbound from New York City--Take I-95 South to I-695. Follow I-695 to Exit 17 (Security Boulevard West). CMS is at the end of Security Blvd.
• Southbound from Central Pennsylvania--Take I-83 South to I-695 West towards Glen Burnie. Follow I-695 to Exit 17 (Security Boulevard West). CMS is at the end of Security Blvd.
• Northbound from Washington, D.C.--Take I-95 North to I-695 West toward Towson. Follow I-695 to Exit 17 (Security Boulevard West). CMS is at the end of Security Blvd.
• Northbound from Baltimore International Airport--Take MD-295 to I-695 West towards Towson. Follow I-695 to Exit 17 (Security Boulevard West). CMS is at the end of Security Blvd.

Public Transportation

Transportation to and from the CMS complex is provided by the M77 bus line and the Mobility Bus. Due to heightened security measures, the buses will drop passengers off at the CMS complex gates.

Campus

CMS's Headquarters facility is comprised of three interconnected office buildings and a warehouse. Built on 57 acres of land, the 670,000 square foot facility has ample parking surrounded by a security fence that serves as the border for the multipurpose exercise trail.

Parking

The CMS complex has approximately 3,100 parking spaces which provides sufficient parking for all. Parking lots are fairly level, with handicap curb cuts in each lot. Spaces are designated for persons with disabilities, car pools, and government vehicles. Numbered reserved parking spaces and government vehicle parking spaces are reserved 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and are issued a specific hangtag for use in those sections.

A visitor's parking area is also designated. Each visitor is required to obtain a permit from the main entrance guard station (Security Boulevard) as they pull into the parking lot. The permit must be placed on the dashboard on the driver's side and be visible to the guards at all times.

Any driver entering the complex without a valid CMS parking hangtag is required to obtain a 1-day temporary parking permit from the guard station. The permit must be placed on the dashboard on the driver's side and be visible to the guards at all times.

Visitors who experience problems with their car must contact a uniformed Security guard, or call the Security Control Center on (410) 786-2929 for assistance. Visitors' vehicles are not allowed to be parked overnight on CMS's campus.

Security

Normal building security is in effect between the hours of 5:30 a.m. through 8:00 p.m., Monday through Friday (excluding Holidays). Visitors are subject to a vehicular search, and can only gain access through the Central Building Main Lobby. **Visitors must be on a pre-approved list and have a valid, Government-issued photo ID badge (i.e., driver's license, age of majority card, official school ID, etc.) Visitors will be issued a temporary building pass from the guard at the Central Building Main Lobby.

CMS has scanning devices at all guarded building entrances to comply with the Department of Justice's vulnerability assessment of our complex. The walkthrough scanners expedite entry to comply with increased security measures. Our walkthrough devices are the same as used by the airport and are certified safe for everyone, including pregnancies.

The scanners allow for safe and reliable examination of all parcels, including purses, brought into the complex. If a suspicious item shows on the monitor screen, the guard is authorized to request the individual to remove the item from the package to be further examined. Failure to comply, and dependent upon the nature of the item, will result in a delay in admittance while the Federal Police are dispatched to assist the guard. Guards conduct a normal visual inspection of bags when individuals exit the complex.

The building security system is in effect 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Security staff utilize closed-circuit TV surveillance equipment to monitor the outside of the facility and sensitive interior spaces. Mobile unit guards patrol the parking area and roving guards provide internal foot patrol at all times.

Smoking Policy (Updated)

Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the Agency single site campus.

Space Numbers and Directional Signs

Space numbers consist of five digits that identify the floor, bay (specific quadrant of floor), and office location. All five digits plus the letter identifying the building (S for South, N for North and C for Central) are used. For example, if the location is S2-01-23, this means the South Building, Floor 2, Bay 01, and Office 23. To assist in finding space locations, directional signs are strategically positioned throughout the buildings. Each public space, special space and individual office has a sign posted at the entry.

Location Directory

Housekeeping Rules

• While attending a conference at CMS's headquarters, non-CMS conference attendees must restrict themselves to the first floor and lower levels of the Central Building.
• Food and beverages are not allowed in the auditorium, multipurpose room, media center, or the conference center.
• Smoking is not permitted anywhere inside the building or at the front entrance of the Central Building. Smoking is permitted outside of the doors on the lower level of the Central Building and outside the North and South Buildings, in designated areas.

Auditorium/Multipurpose Room

The CMS Auditorium and Multipurpose Room is located in front of the Central Building with a distinctive "silo" shape where the stage is housed. The hours of operation are 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The Auditorium contains the latest audio-visual equipment including stereo audio, high-quality video, digital graphics, and teleconferencing capability. The Auditorium supports functions such as large group training, seminars, lectures, award ceremonies, exhibits, musical functions, employee functions, etc. The stage has a projection system that can be used to display a wide variety of video and computer-based material on the 15-foot diagonal screen.

Sodexho Crossroads Cafe and Food Court

The Sodexho Cafe and Food Court, located in the lower level of the Central Building, offers a variety of top quality meals in a pleasant, modern surrounding. The dining room accommodates a total of 425 guests at one seating (weather permitting - outdoor seating will accommodate an additional 100 guests.) Breakfast is served daily from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. The breakfast menu features gourmet and regular coffees, hot breakfast bar and grill, fresh fruit bar, and a delicious variety of fresh gourmet bakery items. Coffee and bakery items are served daily from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Lunch is served starting at 11:15 a.m. and continues to 1:30 p.m. The lunch menu offers daily specials of two hot entrees, a variety of fresh vegetables and side dishes, soup and salad bar, deli sandwiches, a special dessert bar, fresh fruits, soft frozen yogurt and assorted ice creams, sodas, milk, coffee, and tea. Coffee, cookies, brownies, ice cream, and frozen yogurt remain available from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Telephone Numbers

Inside the CMS Complex, just dial the last five (5) digits of any internal phone number (e.g., to reach (410) 786-3000, dial 6-3000).