What is one of the essential benefits of Medicare Supplement plans?

Medicare Supplement plans, also known as Medigap plans, are designed primarily to fill the "gaps" in coverage that are present in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). One of the essential benefits of these plans is their ability to help cover out-of-pocket costs such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles that beneficiaries may encounter while using their Medicare benefits.

This supplemental coverage allows enrollees to manage their healthcare expenses more effectively by reducing the financial burden associated with the costs that Medicare alone does not cover. It is important for beneficiaries who wish to have predictable healthcare costs and greater financial security regarding their medical expenses.

While coverage for prescription drugs, travel abroad, and direct payments to providers can be relevant in other contexts, they are not fundamental components of Medicare Supplement plans. Instead, those aspects are addressed through different programs or policies, highlighting the unique role that Medigap plans play in providing supplemental coverage for gaps in Original Medicare.