Which item is a basic benefit of Medicare supplement plans?

• A. Vision care
• B. The first 3 pints of blood per year
• C. Prescription drug coverage
• D. Hospital benefits after Medicare benefits exhausted

Answer: (B)

Medicare supplement plans are designed to fill gaps in Original Medicare, and a standard, basic benefit they provide is coverage for the first 3 pints of blood per year. This small but real cost is one of the classic items Medigap plans help with, reinforcing protection against unexpected medical expenses. Vision care isn’t a guaranteed Medigap benefit, and prescription drug coverage isn’t included in Medigap—you’d need a separate Part D plan for drugs. The idea of hospital benefits after Medicare benefits are exhausted isn’t listed as a basic Medigap benefit, since these plans focus on covering Medicare’s coinsurance, copayments, and deductibles rather than extending benefits beyond what Medicare already pays.