Which Medigap plan contains the core set of basic benefits that all standardized Medigap policies build upon?
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Answer & full 3-part explanation (select an option above, or peek)
Why A is correct
Medigap policies are federally standardized into plans labeled A through N. Plan A is the base plan that contains the core benefits, including the Part A coinsurance and additional hospital coverage, the Part B coinsurance or copayments, and the first three pints of blood. Every other standardized plan includes these Plan A core benefits plus additional coverage. Because Plan A is the foundation, it is the reference point for all Medigap comparison. Plan A is the baseline against which every other standardized letter is compared. Because all Medigap plans share the Plan A core benefits, the letter designations simply add different combinations of the skilled nursing coinsurance, deductibles, excess charges, and foreign travel coverage on top of that core.
Why the other options are wrong
- B) Plan D includes the core benefits plus additional coverage such as skilled nursing facility coinsurance; it is not the base plan. Plan D layers the skilled nursing facility coinsurance and Part B deductible on top of the core, so it is not the basic plan.
- C) Plan G adds broad benefits beyond the core, including Part B excess charges. Plan G covers most cost sharing including Part B excess charges, making it substantially broader than the core Plan A package.
- D) Plan N is a cost-sharing-oriented plan built on top of the core benefits. Plan N adds copayments for office visits and emergency room care, so it includes benefits beyond the Plan A core.
Memory hook
Plan A is Medigap's foundation block; every other letter just adds floors on top.