Iowa is one of the most affordable states for Medicare Supplement (Medigap) insurance, with average Plan G premiums around $142 per month. With over 550,000 Medicare beneficiaries and relatively low Medicare Advantage penetration, most Iowa seniors rely on Original Medicare paired with a Medigap plan for comprehensive coverage.
Why Iowa Residents Choose Medigap Over Medicare Advantage
Iowa has one of the lower Medicare Advantage penetration rates in the country, with roughly 36% of Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in MA plans. That means nearly two-thirds of Iowa’s seniors stick with Original Medicare — and most pair it with a Medigap policy for predictable out-of-pocket costs. Iowa’s rural geography means many residents prefer Medigap plans that let them see any doctor who accepts Medicare, without network restrictions that can limit access in less populated areas.
Plan G vs. Plan N in Iowa: Which Is Right for You?
Plan G is the most comprehensive Medigap plan available to new enrollees. It covers everything except the Medicare Part B deductible ($257 annually). Once you meet that deductible, Plan G pays 100% of your Medicare-approved costs with no copays, no coinsurance, and no surprise bills.
Plan N offers slightly less coverage at a lower premium. You’ll pay up to $20 for some office visits and up to $50 for emergency room visits that don’t result in admission. However, Plan N premiums in Iowa typically run $25–$40 less per month than Plan G, which can save you $300–$480 annually.
Medicare Plan G Rates in Iowa by Carrier
The following table shows estimated monthly Plan G premiums for a 65-year-old in Iowa. Rates vary by carrier, age, gender, zip code, and tobacco use.
| Insurance Carrier | Monthly Premium (Est.) | Rating Method |
|---|---|---|
| Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield | $179.90 | Attained-Age |
| Medico Corp | $130.00 | Attained-Age |
| United American | $138.00 | Issue-Age |
| AARP/UnitedHealthcare | $155.00 | Attained-Age |
| Mutual of Omaha | $142.00 | Attained-Age |
| Aetna | $148.00 | Attained-Age |
| State Farm | $135.00 | Issue-Age |
| Cigna | $152.00 | Attained-Age |
| American Continental (Aetna) | $144.00 | Attained-Age |
| Lumico Life | $139.00 | Attained-Age |
Rates are estimates for a 65-year-old non-tobacco user. Your actual premium may vary. Call 1-888-781-6026 for a personalized quote.
Medicare Plan N Rates in Iowa
| Insurance Carrier | Monthly Premium (Est.) | Rating Method |
|---|---|---|
| Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield | $140.50 | Attained-Age |
| Medico Corp | $102.00 | Attained-Age |
| United American | $110.00 | Issue-Age |
| AARP/UnitedHealthcare | $118.00 | Attained-Age |
| Mutual of Omaha | $112.00 | Attained-Age |
| Aetna | $115.00 | Attained-Age |
| State Farm | $105.00 | Issue-Age |
| Cigna | $120.00 | Attained-Age |
Plan N rates are typically $25–$40 less per month than Plan G. Call 1-888-781-6026 for an exact comparison based on your zip code.
How Iowa Regulates Medigap Pricing
Iowa allows insurance carriers to use either attained-age or issue-age rating methods for Medigap pricing. Most carriers in Iowa use attained-age rating, meaning your premium may increase as you get older. Issue-age carriers like United American and State Farm lock in your rate based on the age you enroll, which can be advantageous if you sign up at 65.
Iowa does not currently have a Medigap birthday rule. However, Iowa law does provide important protections: during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period (the 6-month window starting when you turn 65 and enroll in Part B), insurance companies cannot deny you coverage or charge more due to pre-existing conditions. The Iowa Insurance Division and SHIIP (Senior Health Insurance Information Program) at (800) 351-4664 provide free counseling to help you compare plans.
Top Medigap Insurance Companies in Iowa
Iowa has a competitive Medigap market with over 20 carriers offering plans statewide. The top carriers by market share include:
- Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield — Iowa’s largest health insurer with the broadest provider network
- AARP/UnitedHealthcare — Nationwide carrier with competitive rates and household discounts
- Mutual of Omaha — Regional carrier headquartered in neighboring Nebraska with strong Midwest presence
- Medico Corp — Often among the lowest-priced options in Iowa
- Aetna/American Continental — Large national carrier with multiple plan options
- State Farm — Issue-age rating can mean long-term savings
- United American — Another issue-age option with competitive entry rates
- Cigna — National carrier with Plan G and Plan N options
Medicare Supplement Costs by City in Iowa
Medigap premiums can vary by zip code within Iowa. Here is a comparison of estimated Plan G rates across major Iowa cities:
| City | Plan G Low | Plan G High | Plan N Low | Plan N High |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines | $128 | $185 | $100 | $145 |
| Cedar Rapids | $130 | $182 | $102 | $142 |
| Davenport | $132 | $188 | $104 | $148 |
| Sioux City | $126 | $178 | $98 | $140 |
| Iowa City | $130 | $184 | $102 | $144 |
| Waterloo | $128 | $180 | $100 | $142 |
| Council Bluffs | $130 | $186 | $102 | $146 |
| Dubuque | $132 | $184 | $104 | $144 |
Get Your Free Iowa Medicare Supplement Quote
Finding the right Medicare Supplement plan in Iowa doesn’t have to be complicated. As licensed Medicare brokers, we compare rates from all major Iowa carriers to find you the best coverage at the lowest price — at no cost to you.
Call us today at 1-888-781-6026 or schedule a free consultation to compare Plan G and Plan N rates in your Iowa zip code.
eMedicareGuide.com is operated by Health Insure Direct LLC, founded by Christopher L. DeNorch, a licensed insurance broker (NPN: 8382405) serving Iowa residents since 2008.