What is unique about Medicare Supplement insurance compared to regular Medicare?

Medicare Supplement insurance, also known as Medigap, is specifically designed to fill in the gaps left by traditional Medicare coverage. While Medicare provides essential healthcare coverage, it does not cover all costs or services, leaving beneficiaries responsible for various out-of-pocket expenses, such as deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. Medicare Supplement plans help to mitigate these out-of-pocket costs, thereby enhancing the financial protection and overall coverage for Medicare recipients. This characteristic of covering gaps makes Medigap policies a valuable addition for those seeking to manage their healthcare expenses more effectively.

The other options do not accurately convey the role of Medicare Supplement insurance. Medigap does not replace Medicare; it supplements it by providing additional benefits. Also, it is not exclusively available to elderly beneficiaries, as individuals under 65 with certain disabilities may qualify. Lastly, while Medigap helps cover out-of-pocket costs, it cannot guarantee that there will be no expenses at all, as some plans still require certain out-of-pocket costs to be paid.