Which system was implemented to cover all costs related to services furnished to Medicare Part A beneficiaries in skilled nursing facilities?

The correct choice is based on the Skilled Nursing Facility Prospective Payment System, commonly referred to as SNF PPS. This system was established to provide a method for reimbursing skilled nursing facilities for the services they provide to Medicare Part A beneficiaries.

Under SNF PPS, payments are determined using a fixed amount that is based on the patient's clinical condition and the resources required for their care. This fixed amount is designed to cover all costs associated with the necessary services during a specified stay. The focus on a prospective payment model means that facilities receive a predetermined rate rather than billing for services after they are rendered, which streamlines financial planning and ensures that providers are incentivized to deliver cost-effective care.

The other systems mentioned serve different purposes: OPPS relates to outpatient services, IRF PPS is specifically for inpatient rehabilitation facilities, and IPF PPS is applicable to inpatient psychiatric facilities. Each of these programs targets different settings and populations within the broader healthcare payment landscape, making SNF PPS uniquely suited for skilled nursing facilities caring for Medicare Part A beneficiaries.