Which of the following is not covered by Medicare?

The reason routine dental care is not covered by Medicare lies in the foundational design of the program, which primarily focuses on providing health insurance for older adults and certain disabled individuals. Medicare is structured to cover a range of healthcare services essential for treating illnesses and injuries, with the intent to provide access to necessary medical care rather than preventive or elective services.

Specifically, routine dental care often includes preventive services such as cleanings, check-ups, and fillings, which Medicare does not deem essential for an elderly population dealing with primary healthcare needs. Instead, Medicare pays for services deemed medically necessary, such as emergency room visits, inpatient hospital services, and physical therapy, which are often critical for recovery from illnesses or injuries. Understanding the limitations on what constitutes a medically necessary service helps clarify why this specific option of routine dental care does not fall under Medicare's umbrella.