What Do I Need to Understand About Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans in Iowa?

Iowa residents approaching age 65 may be interested to learn about Medicare Supplement Insurance plans, which can help fill in some of the gaps in coverage from Medicare Parts A and B, such as copayments, coinsurance and deductibles. Thankfully, it’s easy to purchase Medicare Supplement Insurance plans, also known as Medigap, in Iowa. Private insurance companies offer Medicare Supplement Insurance plans throughout the state.

In 2023, residents of the Hawkeye State have a choice of 10 Medigap or Medicare Supplement Insurance plans. These include basic benefits from Plans A, B, D, G, K, L, M and N. Medigap Plans C, E, F, H, I and J are no longer available to those who are newly eligible to Medicare, but those already enrolled in these plans are grandfathered in.

As of January 1, 2020, Medicare Supplement Insurance plans no longer sell Medigap Plans C or F to newly eligible Medicare members. Anyone enrolled in a Medigap Plan C or F on or before December 31, 2019 has been grandfathered in and will be able to continue to use their plan as long as their premiums are paid.

Iowa residents looking for a Medicare Supplement Insurance plan should first look at their specific coverage needs to determine what Medigap plan they should consider.

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Most Popular Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans in Iowa

Iowa offers residents the option to choose from several Medicare Supplement Insurance plans. These government-approved plans help protect consumers in most states, including Iowa. See below for a view of the most popular Medigap options selected by Iowa residents. Throughout Iowa, the insurance companies that sell Medigap plans offer the same basic benefits. These can be different prices depending on where you live and the carrier, and not all Iowa insurers will offer all available Medigap Supplement plans.

As reported by America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), 303,612 Iowa beneficiaries had Medigap coverage in 2021. Below is the breakdown of the number of Iowa enrollees by Medigap plan type.

Plan	A	B	C	D	E	F	G	H	I	J	K	L	M	N
Enrollment #	896	135	1,090	1,123	1,306	185,218	99,961	81	120	2,165	218	450	1	9,447

Source: AHIP (2021)

While a Medigap policy will help pay for things like copayments, coinsurance and deductibles not covered by Medicare Parts A and B, it is important to note that your Iowa Medicare Supplement Insurance plan will not cover benefits for prescription drugs. However, you can buy an additional Medicare Prescription Drug plan to cover prescription drug costs. You also have the option to purchase a Iowa Medicare Advantage plan.

Learn more about your Medicare Supplement Insurance plan options in Iowa by working with a SelectQuote licensed insurance agent. SelectQuote is your advocate, and we can guide you through the Medicare enrollment process to better understand Medigap Plan options. SelectQuote individually shops more than 20 national insurance companies to help you compare Medicare Plans in Iowa.

Iowa residents cannot be enrolled in a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Insurance plan and a Medicare Advantage Plan at the same time. A Medigap Plan can also not be used to pay for any expenses for a Medicare Advantage plan.

When is the Iowa Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan Enrollment Period?

Initial enrollment timeframes are very important. Enrollment for Medicare Supplement Insurance plans in Iowa begins the first day of the month you turn at least 65 years old. You also must be enrolled in both Medicare Parts A and B in order to get a Medigap plan.

Iowa residents have a six-month period surrounding their birth month to buy a Medicare Supplement Insurance plan. Iowa residents under the age of 65 can check with the Social Security Administration office for additional enrollment periods.

The best time to enroll in a Medicare Supplement Insurance plan is during the initial six months you are eligible for Medicare. You can enroll as early as 64 and 6 months of age. During this important six-month period, companies that offer Medicare Supplement Insurance plans cannot use underwriting during this time. However, if you apply for Medicare Supplement Insurance outside of this six-month timeframe, you’ll be subject to a physical exam. If you apply for Medigap coverage after the first six months of eligibility, a company can refuse to sell you a plan or may adjust your premiums depending on your current health status and pre-existing health conditions.

Determining If an Iowa Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan Right for You

SelectQuote is here to ensure you’re getting all the benefits available to you while staying up to date with annual updates to Medicare plans made by insurance companies in your area. As a trusted independent third-party company that specializes in helping consumers understand the ins and outs of available Medicare Plans, SelectQuote can help you understand your options to find the right Medicare Supplement Insurance plan to meet your needs.

To ensure you are getting all the benefits you need, call to speak with a licensed insurance agent or complete your online form today. Let our team simplify the Medicare enrollment process by comparing rates and independently shopping insurance companies to help you find an affordable option that meets your unique needs.