Long Term Care Certification Practice Test

Which of the following would NOT be a covered expense under Medicare Part A?

1. Semi-private hospital room

2. Inpatient hospital care

3. Long-term care in a skilled nursing facility

4. Home health care

The correct answer is: Semi-private hospital room

The choice regarding the covered expense under Medicare Part A focuses on the nuances of what Medicare covers. Medicare Part A is designed primarily for inpatient care in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and hospice care. The correct understanding here is that semi-private hospital rooms are typically covered under Medicare Part A when an individual is receiving inpatient care in a hospital, which makes them a covered expense. Medicare generally covers the cost of the room as part of the overall inpatient care, reflecting the expectation that patients receive care in such settings when medically necessary. Inpatient hospital care, long-term care in a skilled nursing facility after a qualifying hospital stay, and home health care following an inpatient service also fall under the umbrella of Medicare Part A coverage. This indicates that these services have well-defined criteria for coverage and align with the program's aim to provide essential medical treatments. In summary, the misunderstanding may arise from the specifics of room accommodations; while semi-private rooms are indeed covered under Part A, the implication may have suggested that they are not. However, the inclusion of such a room as part of the inpatient treatment in a hospital setting affirms its position as a covered service.