Iowa's Best Medicare Supplement Plans & Companies
Iowa residents on Original Medicare can supplement their Part A and Part B coverage with Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap plans). There are ten different plan options available in Iowa. Each plan pays different out-of-pocket costs.
This article breaks down the best Medigap plans and insurance companies in Iowa for 2024.
Table of Contents
What You Need to Know
- Private insurance companies offer supplemental Medicare insurance in Iowa, not the government.
- Supplemental Medicare insurance is available in 10 different plan options, labeled A through N, each providing a different level of Medicare coverage.
- Iowa residents become eligible for supplemental Medicare insurance at age 65.
- All plans offer coverage for Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs, Medicare Part B copayments or coinsurance, and the first three pints of blood.
- Most plans also cover the Medicare Part A deductible and Skilled Nursing Facility coinsurance.
- It's important to note that Medicare Supplement Insurance does not cover long-term care, vision, dental, hearing aids, or private-duty nursing.
- The average costs for a 65-year-old can vary significantly based on factors such as gender, tobacco use, your location in Iowa, and the level of coverage you select.
- A Medicare Supplement Plan is not classified as health insurance; it falls under indemnity insurance and operates under its own set of rules.
The 5 Best Medicare Supplement Plans Sold in Iowa
There are ten distinct Medigap plans, A through N, all of which adhere to federal Medicare program standards.
For the 2024 plan year in Iowa, the top-rated plans are Medicare Supplement Plan F, Plan C, Plan D, Plan G, and Plan N. These plans are considered the best because they provide the most comprehensive coverage.
However, the key question is, which one of these plans is the most suitable choice for you?
RELATED: What is the Difference Between Medicare Plan G and Plan N?
An effective way to gain insights into each of these ten plans is to refer to a Medicare Supplement Plan chart. This chart shows how each plan covers expenses such as Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments.
NOTE: Medicare Part A and Medigap Plan A can be confusing, as are Medicare Part D and Medigap Plan D. Medicare benefits come in “parts,” whereas insurance companies sell “plans.”
Understanding Your Medigap Plan Options in Iowa
Every Medicare beneficiary has unique requirements. Your age, gender, Iowa zip code, utilization of medical services, preferred healthcare providers, emergency care needs, and necessities for medical supplies and durable equipment all contribute to the factors you must consider.
These factors play a significant role in determining your available plan options. It's essential to carefully assess your needs for outpatient and inpatient care when deciding.
When Best = Most Comprehensive Coverage in Iowa
Most Medicare insurance experts in Iowa will tell you that opting for Plan G is the wisest decision if you're enrolling in Medicare with one or more chronic health conditions. This plan offers the most extensive coverage available for those who qualify for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020.
CRUCIAL: While Plan F provides slightly more coverage than Medicare Supplement Plan G, it comes at a significantly higher cost and is only available to beneficiaries who became eligible for Medicare before 2020.
- Get Plan F and Plan G Quotes in Your Zip Code
- See All Companies Offering Plan F in Iowa
- See All Companies Offering Plan G in Iowa
When Best = Good Coverage & Monthly Savings
If you are enrolling in Medicare and find yourself in excellent health or require solid coverage but have budget constraints that prevent you from considering Plan G, Medicare Supplement Plan N presents a viable alternative. Plan N provides comprehensive coverage throughout Iowa for inpatient hospital stays and most medical expenses.
Plan N is particularly suitable for individuals in good health because it involves cost-sharing. In return for lower monthly premiums, participants in this plan contribute a nominal copayment. For doctor office visits there's a $20 copay. If you use the emergency room you'll pay up to $50.
When Best = Cheapest Plan Available in Iowa
Not everyone in Iowa needs or can afford comprehensive coverage. When your monthly premium amount is a concern, ask your insurance agent to advise you on Medicare Supplement Plan K and High Deductible Plan G (HDG).
These are the two lowest-cost plans available. Many savvy Iowa seniors prefer these plan options over a Medicare Advantage plan.
Does Iowa have Plan A, B, C, D, L and M?
Medicare Supplement Plan A is the most basic plan sold in Iowa. Even so, in many areas, it costs more than Plan N. Why would you pay more to get less?
Medicare Supplement Plan C and Plan D offer coverage similar to Plan G but also cost more. Plus, like Plan F, Plan C is only available to Iowa beneficiaries who enrolled in Medicare before 2020.
Only a few Iowa insurance companies offer Plan L or Plan M.
Health Insurance Company vs. Life Insurance Company: Which is Best?
Every Medigap insurance carrier operating in Iowa must adhere to federal and state insurance regulations. They can't deviate from the standardized plans designated by letters A through N.
To give an example, a Plan F policy from Aetna Medicare provides identical coverage and benefits (same out-of-pocket costs covered) as a Plan F policy from Mutual of Omaha, United Healthcare, Humana, Cigna, or Blue Cross Blue Shield. This standardization simplifies the process of comparing Medigap plans.
The most important difference is the strength and quality of insurance company standing behind the plan and how they rate their plan for premium increases. It's crucial to research a company's Medicare Supplement rate increase history before making a final decision.
Iowa state laws may impose enrollment and rating limitations on carrier. For detailed information, refer to the Iowa Department of Insurance website at http://www.iid.state.ia.us/.
Medicare Supplement Plan F Companies in Iowa
Medicare Supplement Plan F (Medigap Plan F) is Iowa’s most popular Medigap plan. Here are the 10 best companies that offer Plan F policies in Iowa based on our reviews (click for details):
Required Benefits of Plan F in Iowa
Medigap Plan F is standardized like all Medicare Supplement Plans in Iowa. Insurance carriers are required to cover certain benefits. Plan F is the most comprehensive plan because it covers all gaps in Original Medicare.
Although Original Medicare does not cover foreign travel medical emergencies, Plan F does (up to 89%). In addition to this extra benefit, companies may offer limited additional features. One example is Physician Mutual’s Preventive Care and Hearing Loss Testing benefits.
Medicare Supplement Plan G Companies in Iowa
Medicare Supplement Plan G (Medigap Plan G) is rapidly gaining popularity with Iowa seniors. With Plan F no longer available to new Medicare beneficiaries, Plan G is the new gold standard. Here are the 10 best insurance companies that offer Medigap Plan G policies in Iowa based on our reviews (click for details):
Required Benefits of Plan G in Iowa
All Medigap plans in Iowa, including Medigap Plan G, are standardized. Insurance companies must provide the standard coverage. Plan G covers all gaps in Original Medicare except the Part B deductible. And it only covers 80% of foreign travel medical emergencies that fall within your policy’s limits.
Companies may offer additional features like UnitedHealthcare’s fitness program, Renew Active, or the Silver Sneakers fitness program.
Medicare Supplement Plan N Companies in Iowa
Medicare Supplement Plan N is similar to Plan D (not to be confused with Medicare Part D) but covers Medicare Part B coinsurance costs differently. Due to its lower cost and good coverage, it's catching the attention of many Arizona seniors. Here are the 10 best insurance companies that offer Medigap Plan N policies in Iowa based on our reviews (click for details):
Required Benefits of Plan N in Iowa
All Medicare Supplement Plans in Iowa are standardized, including Medigap Plan N. Like Plan G, Plan N does not cover the Part B deductible. It also does not cover Part B excess charges. But it does cover 80% of foreign travel medical emergencies up to the policy’s limits.
Medicare limits the types of extra benefits companies can offer. One excellent additional benefit is UnitedHealthcare’s NurseLine, which lets you talk to an experienced nurse, day or night.
Medicare Eligibility and Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period
In Iowa, you have the opportunity to apply for a Medicare Supplement Plan during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period (OEP). This six-month period commences upon your enrollment in Medicare Part B. Your Medicare eligibility date determines your available plan types.
Under federal law, you are granted guaranteed issue rights throughout your Medigap Open Enrollment Period. This means you can secure a Medigap plan during this period, regardless of your health history or chronic health conditions. You can apply with any insurance company in Iowa that sells Medicare Supplement Insurance.
Enrolling in a Medicare Supplement Plan in Iowa typically involves assistance from a licensed insurance agent. If you don't have an insurance agent, we recommend HealthCompare, an Allstate company. You can reach them at 1-855-728-0510 (TTY 711). They sell policies from the leading insurance companies nationwide, and there's no obligation.
Is a Medicare Supplement Right for You?
Consider a Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan If:
- You anticipate the need for frequent healthcare services, both presently and in the future, and wish to limit deductibles and co-pays.
- You have the financial means to afford the monthly premiums associated with Medicare Supplement Insurance, and you do not qualify for Medicaid.
- You value the flexibility to select your healthcare providers and doctors under Medicare without any network restrictions.
- You require nationwide coverage or have plans to travel abroad.
- You are in your Initial Enrollment Period and possess guaranteed issue rights, enabling you to join a Medigap plan regardless of your current health condition.
- You prefer not to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan and want to avoid the complexities of referrals and pre-authorization for healthcare services.
Consider Alternatives to a Medicare Supplement If:
- You do not anticipate needing frequent healthcare services at present or in the future.
- You missed your Medigap open enrollment period and cannot pass medical underwriting to obtain your preferred Medigap policy.
- You prefer a Medicare Advantage plan with low or zero monthly premiums.
- You have Medicaid, TRICARE, VA benefits, retiree benefits, or other coverage options that cover most of your Medicare out-of-pocket expenses.
- You favor an HMO or PPO plan, coupled with a Part D prescription drug plan, Silver Sneakers, and routine dental, vision, and hearing care.
- You can comply with the rules and limitations of a Medicare Advantage plan.
Alternatives to Iowa Medicare Supplement Plans
If you have decided that a Iowa Medicare Supplement Plan is not right for you, or that none of the 10 plan types works with your budget, there are several options:
- Stick with Original Medicare, add a Medicare Part D plan for prescription drug coverage, and pay all Part A and Part B deductibles, coinsurance, and copays costs out-of-pocket. NOTE: This is very risky, no matter how healthy you are.
- If you qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, or have a serious health condition, enroll in a Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plan.
- If you have VA health benefits, get all of your healthcare from your nearest VA hospital. When you do, the VA will bill Medicare and pay the remainder.
- Enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan with a low maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) limit and reasonable copayments.
It's important to carefully weigh your options and consider your unique healthcare needs when deciding on the right path for your Medicare coverage. Each choice comes with its own advantages and considerations. If you require further guidance or have questions about the options available to you in Iowa, don't hesitate to reach out to our preferred agency, HealthCompare, at 1-855-728-0510 (TTY 711).
Next Steps
The next step is to get a FREE Medigap Rate Comparison Report. It will arm you with all of the information you need to make an informed decision.
Get Your Free Medicare Supplement Rate Comparison
MedicareWire is a Medicare consulting agency. We are not insurance agents. Our job is to help people navigate Medicare without marketing interference.
Our free report will show you rates from all carriers without a sales pitch. No Calls. No Email Spam. No Kidding!
If you would prefer to speak with an agent, our preferred, nationwide agency is HealthCompare, an Allstate company. Give them a call at 1-855-728-0510 (TTY 711).
Citations & References
- Costs of Medigap policies, Medicare.gov, Last Accessed October 4, 2023
- What's Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap)?, Medicare.gov, Last Accessed October 4, 2023
- Find a Medigap policy that works for you, Medicare.gov, Last Accessed October 4, 2023
- How to compare Medigap policies, Medicare.gov, Last Accessed October 4, 2023
- How Original Medicare works, Medicare.gov, Last Accessed October 4, 2023
- Your Medicare coverage choices, Medicare.gov, Last Accessed October 4, 2023