Share this article:

Medicare supplement insurance, often referred to as Medigap, is a type of coverage that helps pay for gaps in Original Medicare (Parts A and B).

People living in Iowa have a variety of Medicare supplement policies to select from.

What is Medicare supplement insurance?

Below is a brief summary of Medicare supplement insurance:

  • Policies are sold by private insurance companies that are approved by Medicare.
  • You must be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B to purchase a Medigap policy.
  • These plans help cover the out-of-pocket expenses left after Original Medicare pays; once Part A and Part B cover a service, Medigap helps pay the remaining balance.
  • You cannot carry a Medicare supplement policy if you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan.
  • There are 10 standardized plan letters: A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N. Benefits for each plan are uniform nationwide except in Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, which use different standardization rules.
  • Plans C and F are not offered to people who turned 65 on or after January 1, 2020.
  • If you enroll in a Medigap policy during the first six months after you have Part B, insurers cannot refuse coverage based on your health.
ADVERTISEMENT

Snapshot of Medicare supplement plans in Iowa

Because Medigap benefits are standardized, supplement policies sold in Iowa offer the same core benefits as equivalent plans elsewhere.

Costs and premiums for Iowa Medicare Supplement Plans — elderly couple reviewing paperwork with Iowa State Capitol in background
(img by Medigap Seminars)

The primary distinction between carriers is the monthly premium amount, though some companies may provide extra perks.

There are 40 insurers currently marketing Medicare supplement plans in Iowa. Most insurers offer at least Plans A, F, G, and N, and residents can purchase any of the 10 Medigap plan designs — including high-deductible variants of Plans F and G.

Examples of firms selling Medicare supplement policies in Iowa include:

  • AARP (UnitedHealthcare)
  • Aetna
  • AFLAC
  • Bankers Fidelity
  • Cigna
  • Humana
  • Medico
  • State Farm
  • Transamerica
  • United American
  • USAA

Pricing for Medicare supplement plans in Iowa

The monthly price of a Medigap plan in Iowa varies by insurer, your sex, and your age, among other factors.

Research from the health policy group KFF found the average premium for a Medicare supplement policy in Iowa was $222 in 2023.

Average monthly premium costs for Medigap plans — bar graph showing Plan G, F, N, K ranges
(img by Sign up for Medicare in Iowa – MedicareSignups.com)

Iowa’s Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) publishes a Medicare Supplement & Premium Comparison Guide, which lets consumers quickly compare current premium rates for Medigap plans statewide.

The guide also contains other helpful resources for state residents, such as:

  • a walkthrough for interpreting the premiums table
  • details on enrollment
  • tips for purchasing Medigap coverage
  • general Medicare guidance

The most reliable method to obtain exact monthly premiums for a specific Medicare supplement plan in Iowa is to contact the insurer directly or use Medicare’s coverage finder tool. You can also explore local options and compare rates for medicare plans iowa.

ADVERTISEMENT

Most commonly chosen Medicare supplement plans

KFF reports that 67% of Iowa beneficiaries who had Original Medicare were also enrolled in a Medigap plan in 2023.

Nationally, Plan G and Plan F are the most frequently selected options; together they composed about 75% of Medigap enrollments.

For tailored help and more details about Medicare supplement plans in Iowa, you can contact your local SHIIP. SHIIP can be reached by phone at 800-351-4664 for personalized counseling and assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Medicare Supplement Plans in Iowa?

Who can buy a Medigap policy in Iowa?

Are Medigap benefits the same in Iowa as other states?

How much do Medicare Supplement Plans in Iowa cost?

Where can I compare Medicare Supplement Plans in Iowa?

Share this article:

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional for any health concerns.

Related Post

7 Health Benefits of Vitamin C

ADVERTISEMENT

Leave a Reply

TOC