What does Original Fee-for-Service (FFS) Medicare cover under Part A?

Original Fee-for-Service (FFS) Medicare under Part A primarily covers services related to inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facilities, hospice care, and some home health services. This means that when a beneficiary is admitted to a hospital, Part A will help cover the costs of their stay, including room and board, nursing services, and necessary medical supplies.

Skilled nursing facilities are covered under Part A when care follows a hospital stay, providing rehabilitation services as needed. Hospice services, aimed at those with terminal illnesses, are also included, offering support for patients and their families during end-of-life care. Home health services, which might include part-time or intermittent skilled nursing care and therapy services, are likewise covered when they are deemed medically necessary.

In contrast, other aspects of healthcare such as physician services, preventive screenings, immunizations, and prescription drug coverage fall under different parts of Medicare or may require separate plans or additional coverage. Thus, the primary focus of Part A is tightly centered on immediate medical needs arising from hospital admissions and related experiences.