In a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan, what does it help pay for?

A Medicare Supplement, commonly referred to as Medigap, is specifically designed to cover the out-of-pocket costs that Medicare does not fully pay. This includes expenses such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles related to services that are covered under Original Medicare (Part A and Part B).

When a Medicare beneficiary receives medical care, Medicare pays its portion of the bills, and the remaining costs often fall on the patient. A Medigap policy helps by assisting with that financial responsibility, allowing individuals to afford necessary healthcare without incurring excessive out-of-pocket expenses.

Other options don't align with the purpose of Medigap. For instance, while Medigap is involved in helping with costs that beneficiaries owe after Medicare coverage, it does not pay the actual costs billed by providers directly; those costs are mainly handled by Medicare. It also does not solely cover deductible amounts or pay for total costs of hospital stays, as there will still be a share of costs that the patient must cover depending on Medicare's rules. Thus, the correct answer emphasizes the role of Medigap in alleviating the financial burden associated with patient responsibilities after Medicare has contributed its share.