What type of care does Medicare Part A NOT cover?

Medicare Part A primarily focuses on inpatient care services, which include hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, home health care related to an illness, and hospice care for terminally ill patients. However, it does not cover outpatient rehabilitation services. These services are typically categorized under Medicare Part B, which provides coverage for outpatient care, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other rehabilitation services offered outside of a hospital setting.

Understanding the distinction between what Part A and Part B cover is essential for individuals navigating their Medicare options. Part A is designed to cover services that require hospitalization or equivalent settings, whereas outpatient services, which can be critical for recovery and health maintenance, fall under Part B. Therefore, recognizing that outpatient rehabilitation services do not fall under the coverage of Medicare Part A underscores the importance of enrolling in Part B to ensure broad access to necessary health care post-hospitalization.