What primary financial protection do Medicare Supplement plans provide?

Medicare Supplement plans, also known as Medigap policies, are specifically designed to provide additional financial protection for individuals who are enrolled in Original Medicare. The primary benefit of these plans is that they help prevent high out-of-pocket medical expenses.

Original Medicare covers many healthcare services but leaves enrollees responsible for certain costs, including deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. Medicare Supplement plans assist by covering some or all of these costs, thereby alleviating the financial burden that can arise from sudden medical needs, hospital stays, or ongoing healthcare services.

While the other choices mention potential features of insurance plans, they do not accurately represent the main purpose of Medigap policies. For instance, premiums can still increase based on various factors, prescription drug costs are not covered unless the individual also enrolls in a separate Medicare Part D plan, and Medicare Supplement plans do not ensure full coverage for hospital stays since some aspects are inherently limited by Original Medicare itself. Therefore, the correct choice underscores the essential role of Medigap policies in providing peace of mind against unexpected medical expenses.