State RegulationsVA specificDifficulty 1/5
Under Virginia's Medicare supplement regulation, what is the primary purpose of a Medicare supplement (Medigap) policy?
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Answer & full 3-part explanation (select an option above, or peek)
Why A is correct
Virginia's Medicare supplement chapter governs policies whose function is to supplement, not replace, Medicare. A Medigap policy picks up cost-sharing amounts that Original Medicare leaves to the beneficiary — deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments — as reflected in the definitions and scope provisions of 14 VAC 5-170-10 administered by the Virginia Bureau of Insurance. The practical consequence for consumers is that a Medicare supplement is built around Medicare's gaps and is never a substitute for Medicare itself.
Why the other options are wrong
- B) Replacing Medicare with private managed care describes Medicare Advantage; a Medicare supplement works alongside Original Medicare rather than taking its place.
- C) Extended custodial nursing home care is the domain of long-term care insurance, not Medicare supplement coverage.
- D) Prescription drug coverage is provided through separate Medicare drug plans; Medicare supplement policies are not designed as drug coverage.
Memory hook
Medigap fills Medicare's gaps — deductibles and coinsurance — it never replaces Medicare.