Benefits provided by a Medicare Supplement policy must NOT:

The requirement that benefits provided by a Medicare Supplement policy must not duplicate Medicare benefits is a crucial aspect of how these policies are designed to work alongside Medicare. Medicare Supplement policies, also known as Medigap policies, are intended to fill the gaps in coverage that original Medicare does not fully address. However, if these policies were allowed to duplicate Medicare benefits, it would contradict their purpose of supplementing the existing coverage rather than providing unnecessary overlap.

For instance, Medicare already covers a range of services, including hospitalization, outpatient care, and some preventive services. A Medigap policy should enhance the user’s Medicare experience by covering out-of-pocket costs like copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles instead of simply offering policies that repeat what Medicare already offers. This ensures that beneficiaries receive comprehensive support while keeping the overall structure of healthcare coverage efficient and streamlined.

Medicare Supplement policies are regulated to prevent unnecessary duplication, which keeps premiums from escalating and ensures that the policies serve their intended functions of covering healthcare expenses that Medicare leaves open. This regulatory framework is designed to protect consumers and ensure that they receive the most effective coverage possible without redundant benefits.