Medicare Supplement plans in Iowa, also called Medigap policies, are health insurance policies that help you pay your health care expenses. Medigap insurance covers all or part of the out-of-pocket costs beneficiaries face after Medicare pays its part of a claim.
Private health insurance companies sell Medicare Supplement plans in Iowa. To be eligible for a Medigap insurance policy, you must be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B.
What is the Best Medicare Supplement Plan in Iowa?
Each Medigap policy offers the same set of basic benefits. From there, plan options vary. Here’s an overview of the top four plans in Iowa.
1. Best Comprehensive Coverage: Medicare Plan F
- Plan F covers everything: Part A deductible, Part A and B coinsurance, Part B deductible, hospice and skilled nursing care, foreign travel emergency, three pints of blood, excess charges
- Only open to Medicare beneficiaries who turned 65 before Jan. 1, 2020
2. Best for New to Medicare: Plan G
- Plan G is cheaper than Medicare Plan F
- Covers everything Plan F covers except for Medicare Part B deductible
3. Best Value: Medicare Plan N
- Plan N offers lower premiums than Medicare Plan G in return for paying a bit more out-of-pocket
- Has copayments: $20 office, $50 ER
4. Best for Cheapest Premiums: High-Deductible Plan G
- Annual deductible
- Same coverage as Plan G
- Very low premiums in return for greater cost-share
- Cheaper than High Deductible Plan F
In 2022, the deductible is $2,490. The plan will cover 100% of the costs after the deductible is met.
How Much Does a Medigap Plan Cost in Iowa?
The cost of a Medicare Supplement plan in Iowa varies based on age, demographics, insurance carrier, and zip code. The average cost of a Medigap policy in Iowa is $137. Here’s what a 65-year-old female, nonsmoker, living in Dubuque (zip code 52001) might pay:
| Plan Type | Premium Range |
|---|---|
| Plan F | $109-$225 |
| Plan G | $99-$210 |
| Plan N | $73-$160 |
When Can I Apply for a Medicare Supplement Plan?
The effective date for applying for a Medicare Supplement plan in Iowa is the date that you meet two criteria:
- You’re age 65
- Enrolled in Part B Medicare
You have six months to enroll. During this six-month window, called your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, you have specific rights. The insurer cannot:
- Refuse your application
- Deny coverage for pre-existing health conditions
- Impose waiting periods
Who Sells Medicare Supplement Plans in Iowa?
Private insurance companies sell Medigap policies. Three consistently rank high in terms of service, pricing, and AM Best financial ratings:
- Best Overall: Mutual of Omaha (A+)
- Best Information: Aetna (A)
- Best Discounts: Cigna (A)
Ready to learn more?
My Medigap Plans is a rapidly growing resource for Medicare beneficiaries. We specialize in educating consumers on their options and guiding them through the process of plan selection. We work closely with some of the nations top rated carriers such as Aetna, Cigna and Mutual of Omaha. Compare our list of the 10 Best Medicare Supplement Insurance Companies or take a deeper look at the plans by reviewing our Medicare Supplement Plans Comparison Chart. Learn more or about Medicare Part D Prescription Drug plans, or request a Medicare Supplement Plan Quote.
Related Topics
Iowa Medicare Resources
Iowa Enrollment Statistics
It’s natural to wonder what other Medicare beneficiaries in the state do with their Medicare benefits. It might first help to look at some facts about Iowa Medicare and Medigap policies:
- Close to half a million Iowa residents are enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B.
- Just about half of all Medicare beneficiaries buy Medicare Supplement insurance plans in Iowa.
- Traditionally, Plan F has been the most popular of the Medigap plans in Iowa.
- The five largest Iowa counties include Polk, Linn, Scott, Johnson, and Black Hawk.
- There are 10 lettered Iowa Medicare Supplement plans that you can choose from, starting with Plan A.