California Life and Health Insurance Practice Exam

Which statement about Medicare is accurate?

1. It exclusively covers hospitalization.

2. Part A covers outpatient diagnostic tests.

3. Part B provides benefits for outpatient diagnostic tests and X-rays.

4. Medicare does not cover preventive services.

The correct answer is: Part B provides benefits for outpatient diagnostic tests and X-rays.

The accurate statement regarding Medicare is that Part B provides benefits for outpatient diagnostic tests and X-rays. Medicare is divided into parts, each serving different functions, and Part B specifically focuses on medically necessary services and preventive care, which includes outpatient diagnostic tests such as laboratory tests, MRI scans, X-rays, and other imaging studies. This means that beneficiaries can receive necessary outpatient care as part of their Medicare coverage under Part B, making it essential for maintaining health and early detection of conditions. In contrast, while Part A focuses on hospital insurance covering inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health services, it does not cover outpatient services, which clarifies why the first statement is inaccurate. The second statement is incorrect because while Part A primarily covers inpatient services, outpatient diagnostic tests are categorized under Part B. Lastly, the assertion regarding preventive services is false, as Medicare does indeed cover a variety of preventive services, including wellness visits, screenings, and vaccinations under both Parts A and B.