What is the primary purpose of a Medicare Supplement policy?

• A. To replace Medicare Part A and Part B
• B. To fill gaps in Part A and Part B
• C. To provide long-term care
• D. To cover prescription drugs

Answer: (B)

Medicare Supplement policies are designed to cover the costs that Original Medicare doesn’t fully pay. Original Medicare Part A and Part B cover most services, but they leave patients responsible for deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. A Medigap policy helps pay those remaining expenses, reducing out-of-pocket costs for hospital and medical services that Part A and Part B would otherwise require you to pay.

It’s important to remember that Medigap doesn’t replace Medicare. You still have Part A and Part B and you must pay their premiums. Medigap also doesn’t provide long-term care coverage, and in most cases it doesn’t include prescription drug coverage (that’s handled by Part D). So the primary purpose is to fill the gaps in Medicare’s coverage.