2025 Guide to Medicare Advantage Plans in Iowa
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Finding the Top Medicare Advantage Plan in Iowa Starts Here
Are you considering enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan in Iowa? You're in good company. This year, more than 31 million people enrolled in a private Medicare health plan. Some want lower costs. Some are looking for more benefits. Others need access to more healthcare providers and doctors.
This page aims to assist you in uncovering the highest-rated Medicare Advantage (MA) plans in Iowa, identifying the insurance providers that offer these plans, and providing guidance on locating suitable plans within your specific region. This information is vital since plan availability varies across different areas.
Table of Contents
Unveiling the Standout Medicare Advantage Plans in Iowa
Every year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reviews and rates all Medicare Advantage plans in Iowa based on a 5-star scale. Input for the ratings comes from information that each plan self-reports, as well as individual member complaints. (Read more about Medicare star ratings.)
There are no 5-star plans in Iowa in 2025. However, there are 4.5-star plans. This year, the highest rated Medicare plans available in Iowa come from:
MedicareWire recommends that you evaluate the plans offered by these Iowa health insurance companies, before all others, for this single reason. More stars awarded by CMS typically means members get better results. So, for instance, five-star plan members might receive better service, phone support, and care than those who have a four-star plan.
TIP: Everyone's personal situation is different. And so are Iowa's Medicare Advantage plans. That's why it is so important to understand Medigap vs Medicare Advantage plans.
Complete List of Iowa's MA Plan Companies
Iowa has 11 providers that offer Medicare Advantage plans. They include:
- Aetna Medicare
- Align powered by Sanford Health Plan
- Health Alliance Medicare
- Humana
- Medica
- Medical Associates Clinic Health Plan of Wisconsin
- Medical Associates Health Plan, Inc.
- MediGold
- UnitedHealthcare®
- Wellcare
- Wellmark Advantage Health Plan
Top Ranked Plans in Iowa
According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, here are the top-ranked Medicare Advantage Plans available in Iowa:
Top Medicare Advantage Plans in Iowa
| Provider | Plan ID | Plan Name | Premium | Limit | Stars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Whether or not you can join a plan from one of the top-rated providers depends on where you live. If your Iowa County has the plan you want, and you qualify, you can enroll. Medicare Advantage plans are regional. Generally speaking, larger urban areas have more plan options than rural areas.
Top-Rated Medicare Advantage Plans in Iowa by County
Choose your Iowa County below to see the best (and the worst) plans.
Find Your Perfect Fit: How to Pick the Best Medicare Advantage Plan in Iowa
There are various reasons you might be considering a plan change, such as turning 65 or the Annual Enrollment Period. You might also be navigating a special enrollment event, such as moving into a new region. There are some important details to consider in all these situations.
1. Consider Your Expected Utilization
Utilization is what determines your overall cost. Healthy individuals use fewer healthcare services. These people can save money by evaluating plans with low monthly premiums. Be aware that these plans often have higher copayments and a higher maximum out-of-pocket limit.
The opposite is true if you have one or more health conditions and frequently use healthcare services, especially hospital inpatient care. In this case, plans with higher monthly premiums, low copayments, and low maximum out-of-pocket limits will help you save money.
2. Evaluate Your Prescription Costs
For many seniors, prescription drugs are what drive up their healthcare costs the most. And, because nearly all Iowa Medicare Advantage plans include Part D benefits for your regular prescriptions, you need to make sure the plan you choose covers your drugs at a price you can afford.
3. Understand Your Additional Coverage Requirements
Original Medicare doesn't cover all costs related to health care. It covers major medical expenses and preventative care services, however, it doesn't cover prescriptions, vision, hearing, or dental. Many of the essential services your Part A or Part B benefits don't cover are covered by Medicare Advantage plans.
4. Review Your Healthcare Network Considerations
Medicare Advantage plans have healthcare provider networks. Unfortunately, not all specialists and primary care doctors accept all plans. Many people on Medicare in Iowa tell us it's difficult to find a plan their doctors take. We can help!
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Next Steps
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? These common questions and answers might help.
What are the disadvantages of a Medicare Advantage plan?
Medicare Advantage plans can have some potential drawbacks. Many plans require members to use their provider network. Costs are also heavily influenced by how you use healthcare services. This makes it difficult to budget for healthcare expenses. Most plans require members to get referrals for specialists or authorization before they can receive healthcare services. Learn more about the pros and cons of Medicare Advantage plans.
Do Medicare Advantage plans pay 100% of all costs?
A Medicare Advantage plan in Iowa costs an average of $nan. This is just the monthly premium. You should also consider the out-of-pocket expenses of a plan if you have any chronic conditions, which include a plan's copays and deductibles. Prescription drug benefits are also included in most Medicare Advantage plans, but they have their own out-of-pocket costs.
What do Medicare Advantage plans include?
Approved Medicare Advantage plans sold in Iowa must, at a minimum, cover everything that's in Original Medicare. But plans do not have to cover healthcare services at the same cost as Original Medicare. For example, Medicare Part A covers about 80% of hospital stays, skilled nursing care, home health care, and hospice care. Whereas Part B provides coverage for about 80% of outpatient services, including lab tests and doctor visits. Medicare Advantage plans set their own copays and deductibles, and often charge more than 20%. However, plans have an annual limit and Original Medicare doesn't.
Citations & References
- CMS.gov, 2023 Medicare Part C Landscape Source Files, Last Accessed January 13, 2023
- Medicare.gov, "5-star special enrollment period", Last Accessed October 20, 2022
- Medicare.gov, "Explore your Medicare coverage options", Last Accessed October 27, 2022
- KFF.org, "Medicare Advantage 2023 Spotlight: First Look", Last Accessed September 5, 2023
- Medicare.gov, "How do Medicare Advantage Plans work?", Last Accessed October 13, 2022
- CMS.gov, Part C and D Performance Data, Last Accessed October 13, 2024
- CMS.gov, Monthly MA Enrollment by State/County/Contract, Last Accessed October 10, 2024
For details on how we research, analyze, and construct plan information for Iowa using CMS data, see our Medicare Plan Research Methodology.