What is the primary focus of Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans?

Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans, commonly known as Medigap, are specifically designed to cover gaps in Medicare coverage. Original Medicare, which includes Parts A and B, provides a range of healthcare services; however, it does not cover all costs associated with these services. For instance, there may be deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance that beneficiaries are responsible for paying out of pocket. Medigap plans help alleviate some of these financial burdens by covering these out-of-pocket costs, offering peace of mind and additional protection to Medicare beneficiaries.

The other options do not accurately describe the primary role of Medicare Supplement Insurance. While Medicare Part D focuses on prescription drug coverage, it is distinct from Medigap plans, which do not offer drug coverage. Medigap plans are also not meant to substitute for Medicare Advantage Plans, which are an alternative to original Medicare and provide benefits through private insurers. Lastly, while some Medigap policies may cover certain home health care expenses, they do not exclusively provide home health care; rather, their main function is to supplement Medicare by covering costs that the original Medicare does not.