Iowa currently has just over 634,000 Medicare beneficiaries. While some of those beneficiaries have signed up for all the benefits of Iowa Medicare plans, others enroll for only some of the coverage Medicare offers.
Below, we’ll examine the basics of Medicare, the benefits every enrollee gets at the baseline, and the different supplemental plans available that can increase your coverage.
Medicare in Iowa: Facts & Figures
- Roughly 440,000 Iowa residents signed up for both Medicare Part A and B
- Of those 440,000, nearly 392,000 aged into Medicare eligibility, while the other 48,000 became eligible because of a disability
- About 154,000 Iowa residents have enrolled with Medicare Advantage
- Iowa has over 484,000 residents utilizing Medicare Part D
Medicare Costs in Iowa for 2024
Medicare Part A constitutes your inpatient services, everything that takes place within a hospital or specialized care facility like a nursing home or hospice care center.
On the other hand, Medicare Part B covers all your outpatient costs, services like at-home health care, and medical equipment that make your life more accessible outside the hospital.
| Medicare Part A Costs in 2023 | Medicare Part B Costs in 2023 |
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Original Medicare Coverage
There are over 483,000 Iowa residents who have at least Medicare Part A, and just over 440,000 have at least Medicare Part B.
Among everyone with Part A, nearly 429,000 aged into eligibility, while roughly 55,000 received it earlier than the minimum age because of a disability.
The numbers are similar for Part B, with nearly 392,000 receiving the coverage by age and 48,000 qualifying on disability.
Medicare Part A (Hospital Coverage)
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Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)
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Supplemental Medicare Plans in Iowa
Iowa residents can leverage three supplemental Iowa Medicare plans to boost their health coverage beyond the basic inpatient and outpatient services: Medicare Advantage, Part D, and Medigap.
Medigap plans
Medigap plans are the most popular supplement options because they offer a range of benefits that barebones Medicare doesn’t cover. And although private insurance companies offer them, the federal government standardizes every Medigap plan so that you’ll receive the same benefits regardless of your location or provider.
Medigap plans cover many services, including blood transfusions, out-of-country medical travel expenses, Part B deductibles, and several others. But unlike Part A and B, the cost of Medigap depends on location and a few other factors, including age, gender, and history of tobacco use.
Part D plans
Part D is another way to boost your standard Iowa Medicare plans. Many call this optional coverage the “prescription drug plan” because it covers all your doctor-prescribed medications.
Like Medigap and unlike Parts A and B, your Part D costs vary depending on where you live.
Medicare Advantage plans
Finally, there’s Medicare Advantage, also known as Part C coverage. This plan typically includes vision and dental benefits and, sometimes, prescription drug coverage.
Private insurance companies are in charge of Part C despite federal regulations, so it’s subject to price changes depending on where you live.
Iowa Medicare Resources
Iowa has a few federal resources you can access with your Iowa Medicare plans.
SHIIP (Senior Health Insurance Information Program) is among the most helpful for new Medicare enrollees. It offers free seminars and basic training to teach you how to get the most out of your coverage. You can also visit the Iowa Insurance Division for additional training and educational resources.
And if you already know what you’re looking for from your Medicare but need help finding it, our team at Medigap.com will sort through the weeds and locate the best Medicare plans for your needs.
Iowa Cities with Medicare Supplement Coverage Estimated Premiums
We’ve created handy charts with the estimated premiums for Medicare Supplement coverage for the below cities:
FAQs
What benefits come with Original Medicare in Iowa?
Though not as expansive as Medicare Advantage or additional Medicare Supplement coverage, Original Medicare gives Iowa residents a few unique benefits.
For example, you can choose your doctors and hospitals and pay a fixed rate regardless of location with Original Medicare.
How do I know whether I have Original Medicare in Iowa?
You can check your enrollment status on mymedicare.gov if you’re unsure whether you have Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage.
The website lists your specific coverages and how long you’ve had them.
Does Medicare Part C replace A and B in Iowa?
Part C does not erase your existing Medicare coverage. You won’t be eligible for Medicare Advantage at all if you don’t already have Medicare Part A and B. It does, however, assign your benefits to the Medicare Advantage company you’re enrolling in.
What is the difference between Part A and Part B Medicare in Iowa?
To understand the difference between Part A and Part B Medicare, think about the former as your hospital insurance and the latter as your medical insurance.
Part A covers you for all your emergency medical visits to hospitals or eligible specialized clinics. On the other hand, Part B covers expenses for services outside treatment centers like hospital rides, lab tests, durable medical equipment, and mental health treatment.
Knowing that only medically necessary services qualify for Part A and B coverage is vital.
Does Medicare in Iowa cover a wheelchair?
Iowa considers wheelchairs, walkers, and scooters as durable medical equipment covered by Medicare Part B. However, to receive one, you must have written approval from your doctor, and you:
- Have a medical condition that causes difficulty moving
- Can’t complete necessary daily activities without DME
- Know how to operate DME or live with someone who can safely
- See your Medicare covers your doctor and wheelchair supplier
- Think your DME can comfortably fit within your home
How To Sign Up for Supplemental Medicare in Iowa
Finding Iowa Medicare plans that meet your needs is challenging between all the supplemental plans and coverage qualifications. But the Medicare experts at Medigap.com are always here to help.
We offer free services that compare prices and benefits from supplemental Medicare providers across Iowa. Our services help you find affordable coverage to live a healthy, comfortable life.
Call our team today or complete our online rate form to get the best rates in your area.
