Which of the following is NOT covered by Medicare?

Medicare, primarily designed to provide health coverage for older adults and certain younger individuals with disabilities, has specific guidelines about what services are covered under its various parts. Routine dental care is not covered by Medicare, which means that services such as cleanings, fillings, and tooth extractions performed outside of a hospital setting typically fall outside Medicare's benefits.

This lack of coverage aligns with the broader structure of Medicare, which tends to focus on major medical needs and hospital-related services, rather than preventative or routine care. The other services listed—like inpatient hospital services, emergency medical services, and skilled nursing facility care—are essential components of healthcare coverage under Medicare and are designed to protect beneficiaries in more acute or necessary circumstances. Thus, the identification of routine dental care as not covered helps clarify the limitations within Medicare's benefits, which is an important consideration for beneficiaries when planning their healthcare needs.