Does Medicare cover the first three pints of blood in a transfusion?

Medicare does not cover the first three pints of blood in a transfusion unless the blood is donated. Under standard Medicare guidelines, when a beneficiary requires a blood transfusion, Medicare Part A typically covers the cost of blood that a hospital receives. However, for the initial three pints, coverage occurs only if the beneficiary donates blood or the blood is given to the hospital as a donation. This rule is in place to encourage voluntary blood donations and to manage the resources effectively.

Other options suggest unconditional coverage or imply that purchased blood is fully covered, which is not accurate regarding Medicare's policy. Therefore, the correct choice reflects the specific requirement surrounding the donation of blood for it to be covered under Medicare, especially concerning the first three pints in a transfusion.