South Carolina Insurance Practice Exam

Medicare Part A covers which of the following?

1. Outpatient services

2. Prescription drugs

3. Inpatient hospital stays

4. Diagnostic tests

The correct answer is: Inpatient hospital stays

Medicare Part A primarily covers inpatient hospital services, which include necessary hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health services after a hospital stay. Specifically, it pays for the costs associated with being admitted to a hospital, such as room and board, nursing care, and other basic hospital services. This makes it essential for individuals who require medical care that necessitates an overnight stay or longer in a healthcare facility. On the other hand, other types of coverage under Medicare, such as Part B, which is designed for outpatient services, and Part D, which focuses on prescription drug coverage, do not fall under Part A. Additionally, while diagnostic tests may sometimes be performed during a hospital stay, they are typically covered under Medicare Part B when done on an outpatient basis or after a hospital admission. Therefore, the correct option aligns perfectly with the defined coverage of Medicare Part A.