Page 25 - Medicare Benefit Policy Manual

• Whether the requirements are met for the inpatient services; and

• Whether the physician and/or ambulance services were furnished in connection
with the services.

Services for an individual who has elected religious nonmedical health care status may be
covered if the above requirements are met but this revokes the religious nonmedical
health care institution election.

70 - Services Resulting from War
(Rev. 1, 10-01-03)
A3-3155, HO-260.5, B3-2315

Items and services which are required as a result of war, or of an act of war, occurring
after the effective date of the patient’s current entitlement date are not covered.

80 - Personal Comfort Items
(Rev. 1, 10-01-03)
A3-3156, HO-260.6, B3-2318

Items that do not contribute meaningfully to the treatment of an illness or injury or the
functioning of a malformed body member are not covered.

Charges for special items requested by the patient such as radio, television, telephone,
and air conditioner, and beauty and barber services are excluded from coverage. The
patient may be charged for such a service if they requested it with knowledge that they
will be charged. To avoid misunderstanding and disputes, the provider informs the
individual upon request for such an item or service that there is a specified charge (not
exceeding the customary charge). Thereafter, the provider may not charge the patient
more for the item or service than the charge specified. A provider may not require a
beneficiary to request noncovered items or services as a condition of admission or of
continued stay.

Basic personal services such as simple barber and beautician services (e.g., shaves,
haircuts, shampoos, and simple hair sets) which patients need and cannot perform for
themselves may be viewed as ordinary patient care when furnished by a long-stay
institution. Such services are covered costs reimbursable under Part A when included in
the flat rate charge and provided routinely without charge to the patient by an SNF or by
a general psychiatric or tuberculosis hospital. The services are maintenance of at least a
minimum level of personal hygiene, decency, and presentability items essential to the
well-being of the patient and of other patients who must associate with the patient.
However, under the personal comfort exclusion, more elaborate services, such as
professional manicures, hair styling, etc., are excluded even when furnished routinely and
without special charge.