Thousands of Iowa residents switched from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan. There are 48,846 current MA enrollees just in Des Moines, Iowa.
There are numerous plans available in Iowa, so you must thoroughly research each one carefully to find one that best suits your needs.
Iowa Medicare Advantage plans
Medicare Advantage plans help cover your medical expenses without going through the federal government. Independent carriers offer different plans covering everything from doctor’s visits to dental and everything in between.
However, the medical coverage fluctuates depending on the plan type you purchase. One plan might cover vision and hearing, while another covers drug costs. It would help to analyze each plan and conduct research before committing to a specific program.
Iowa currently offers between zero and 31 different Medicare Part C plans. It’s important to note that plan numbers vary from county to county. Focus on your specific region when researching each Medicare Advantage plan.
Medicare Advantage plan offerings in Iowa
As stated before, the federal government doesn’t standardize Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans, causing them to differ from zip code to zip code.
The information provided below targets one specific Iowa zip code. The coverage could differ depending on your region. We focused on Medicare Advantage plans with zero-dollar premiums, drug deductibles, five-star ratings, and Part B reductions.
Medicare Advantage plans with a zero-dollar premium in Iowa
Although several plans sport zero-dollar premiums, most recover their costs with higher MOOPs (maximum out-of-pocket) charges and co-pays. Keep this in mind when shopping for a Medicare Advantage plan.
Humana is a four-star carrier that offers local PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plan types with zero-dollar premiums and a $6,700 MOOP.
Wellmark offers HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) plans with zero-dollar premiums and $3,600 MOOP. Currently, Wellmark doesn’t have a star rating.
HealthPartners offers local PPO plans with zero-dollar premiums and a $3,900 MOOP. Its five-star rating makes it the highest-rated zero-dollar premium plan provider.
| PLAN | PREMIUM | MOOP | PLAN TYPE | STAR RATINGS |
| Humana | $0 | $6,700 | LOCAL PPO | 4 |
| Aetna | $0 | $6,700 | HMO-POS | 4 |
| Wellmark | $0 | $3,600 | HMO | N/A |
| $0 | $3,900 | LOCAL PPO | 4 | |
| HealthPartners | $0 | $3,900 | LOCAL PPO | 5 |
Medicare Advantage plans with a zero-dollar drug deductible in Iowa
Aetna is a four-star carrier that offers HMO-POS (Health Maintenance Organization with Point of Service benefits) plan types with zero-dollar premiums and a $3,900 MOOP.
Another four-star carrier, , provides local PPO plans without premiums and a $3,900 MOOP.
HealthPartners sports a five-star rating and offers local PPO plans with zero-dollar premiums and a $3,900 MOOP.
| PLAN | PREMIUM | MOOP | PLAN TYPE | STAR RATINGS |
| Wellmark | $0 | $3,600 | HMO | N/A |
| Aetna | $0 | $3,900 | HMO-POS | 4 |
| $0 | $3,900 | LOCAL PPO | 4 | |
| Humana | $0 | $3,850 | HMO | 4 |
| HealthPartners | $0 | $3,900 | LOCAL PPO | 5 |
Medicare Advantage plans with a 5-star rating in Iowa
Iowa Medicare Advantage plans will receive a star rating ranging from one to five. The better the star rating, the better the coverage. If a five-star rated plan becomes available in your district, you can upgrade your coverage during the Special Enrollment Period.
HealthPartners is the only carrier offering five-star Medicare Part C plans in Iowa. It provides local PPO plans without premiums and a $3,900 MOOP.
| PLAN | PREMIUM | MOOP | PLAN TYPE | STAR RATINGS |
| HealthPartners | $0 | $3,900 | LOCAL PPO | 5 |
Medicare Advantage plans with a Part B reduction in Iowa
Medicare Advantage plans with Part B reductions aren’t available in every Iowa zip code. However, if your district offers these plan types, they can significantly reduce your monthly Medicare Part B fees.
Humana is a four-star carrier offering Medicare Advantage plans with zero-dollar premiums, a $6,700 MOOP, and a $50 Part B reduction.
Another four-star plan provider, Aetna, carries plans without premiums, a $6,700 MOOP, and a $25 Part B reduction.
sports a four-star rating and offers zero-dollar premium plans with a $6,700 MOOP and a $30 Part B reduction.
| PLAN | PREMIUM | MOOP | PART B REDUCTION | STAR RATINGS |
| Humana | $0 | $6,700 | $50.00 | 4 |
| Aetna | $0 | $6,700 | $25.00 | 4 |
| $0 | $6,700 | $30.00 | 4 |
Ancillary/DVH
Iowa Medicare Advantage plans don’t provide the same coverage as Medicare Supplement plans. Many Medicare Advantage plans offer additional coverage for hearing, dental, prescriptions, and vision that Original Medicare doesn’t cover.
Iowa cities with Medicare Supplement coverage estimated premiums
Our handy charts were created with the estimated premiums for Medicare Supplement coverage for the below cities for informational purposes:
FAQs
What is the best Medicare Advantage Plan in Iowa?
It depends on your specific medical needs. If you want a high-quality PPO plan, you may want to considerMedicare Advantage Choice Plan 1.
However, if you need an HMO plan in Iowa, Medicare Advantage Plan 2 might better suit your needs.
What is the highest-rated Medicare Advantage Plan in Iowa?
HealthPartners is currently the only carrier offering five-star rated Medicare Part C plans in Iowa. It provides local PPO plan types with zero-dollar premiums and a $3,900 MOOP.
How do I choose the best Medicare Advantage plan in Iowa?
To find the best Iowa Medicare Advantage plan, you must consider the following.
- Medical needs
- Affordability
- Carrier star rating
- Provided coverage
Try to find a four or five-star carrier that offers plans covering most, if not all, your medical needs without exceeding your budget. Tools can also help you find the best programs in your zip code.
What is the difference between Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage plans in Iowa?
Medicare Advantage plans are all-in-one plans that combine Medicare Part A and B, providing comprehensive coverage. Some plans even cover Part D prescription drug costs. These plans are also known as Part C plans.
Medicare Supplement plans reduce your out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare doesn’t cover. Although not affiliated with the federal Medicare program, these plans provide additional coverage.
Can you switch back and forth between Medicare and Medicare Advantage in Iowa?
Yes, as long as you enroll during the Annual Enrollment Period or Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period.
The former starts on October 15 and ends on December 7, while the latter runs from January 1 to March 31.
How to get help enrolling in an Iowa Medicare Advantage plan
Contact us if you need help enrolling in an Iowa Medicare Advantage Plan. Our team of licensed insurance agents works with the leading Iowa carriers and will help you find the best plan for you free of charge.
We’ve helped countless residents find their Medicare Advantage plans, and we can do the same for you.
Give us a call today. Or complete our online rate form to get the best current Iowa rates in your area!
