Which types of care does Medicare Part A cover?

Medicare Part A primarily covers inpatient care services provided in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and some home health care services. This includes hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility after a hospital stay, hospice care, and certain home health care services under specific conditions.

Home health care is included when it is deemed medically necessary, and it typically covers part-time or intermittent skilled nursing care, as well as rehabilitation therapy. Inpatient care is also central to Part A coverage, as it encompasses the care you receive when admitted to a hospital. This is crucial for individuals who require extensive medical care or treatment that cannot be provided in an outpatient setting.

In contrast, other options do not align with what Medicare Part A specifically provides. Private room services and private-duty nursing are often not covered under Part A. Medicare does not typically cover outpatient surgeries and cosmetic procedures under Part A, as these are generally part of Part B coverage. Routine exams and preventive care are also not covered under Part A, as they fall under the purview of Medicare Part B, which focuses on outpatient care, preventive services, and various doctor's services. Thus, the correct answer emphasizes services associated with inpatient care and certain aspects of home health care, reflecting the core benefits of Medicare Part A.