What services does Medicare Part A cover?

Medicare Part A primarily covers services related to inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility (SNF) care, hospice services, and some home health care services. This coverage is essential for beneficiaries who require hospitalization, rehabilitation, or palliative care, as it helps manage the costs associated with these significant health care needs.

Hospital stays are a primary component of Part A coverage, which includes inpatient admissions for surgeries, treatments, and recovery. Additionally, it covers care provided in a skilled nursing facility after a qualifying hospital stay, helping individuals transition back to their homes. Hospice care is included for patients with terminal illnesses, focusing on comfort and support rather than curative treatment. Home health care services offered under Part A involve skilled nursing care or therapy for patients who are homebound and require intermittent care.

The other options mentioned do not align with Part A coverage. Medicare Part B, for instance, handles physician visits and preventive services, while outpatient care and lab tests fall under Part B as well. Vision and dental care are generally not covered by Medicare at all, requiring separate insurance plans to manage those health services. Overall, Medicare Part A is crucial for addressing significant health care services needed in institutional settings and for specific home-bound care.