How To Find the Best Health Insurance in Iowa

You can find the best Iowa health insurance at the best price by comparing rates and coverage for multiple plans from different health insurance companies. Keep in mind that, depending on your circumstances, you may only be able to enroll in a plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace during a limited window of time from November to January each year.

Continue reading to learn more about affordable health insurance in Iowa, including the average health insurance cost in Iowa and how to get health insurance in Iowa.

On This Page

• 

  Is Health Insurance Required in Iowa?

• 

  Iowa Health Insurance Rankings

• 

  How Much Does Health Insurance Cost in Iowa?

• 

  What Is the Average Cost of Health Insurance in Iowa by City?

• 

  Which Health Insurance Companies Are the Most Affordable in Iowa?

• 

  When Is Open Enrollment for Health Insurance in Iowa?

• 

  What Types of Health Insurance Are Available in Iowa?

• 

  How To Get Health Insurance in Iowa

• 

  FAQs

Is Health Insurance Required in Iowa?

Officially, federal law makes health insurance coverage for essential health benefits a requirement for taxpayers in all states, including Iowa. However, the federal individual mandate tax penalty ended beginning with the 2019 tax year, and Iowa’s state government does not impose its own penalty on residents, making health coverage effectively optional throughout the state.^[1]

Iowa Health Insurance Rankings

Iowans generally enjoy access to high-quality health care, as the Hawkeye State boasts the second-best health system in the Plains region and the 15th-best system in the entire country, according to a Commonwealth Fund analysis. Notably, Iowa is the best Plains state when it comes to reproductive and women’s health, the prevention and treatment of illnesses and the minimization of avoidable hospital expenses.^[2]

Below, there is a table that lists Iowa’s standing in each of the metrics considered as part of the Commonwealth Fund’s study.^[2]

How Much Does Health Insurance Cost in Iowa?

People living in Iowa pay an average of $429 per month for Marketplace benchmark health plans, which is a decent amount less than the $497 monthly average that Americans pay nationwide. Additionally, it costs an average of $309 per month to enroll in Iowa’s lowest-cost bronze plan, $427 per month to enroll in its lowest-cost silver plan and $417 per month to enroll in its lowest-cost gold plan.^[3]

Cheapest Health Insurance Options in Iowa

One way to save money on your health insurance bills is to opt for a plan in the bronze health insurance tier. While they require you to pay more in deductibles, copays and coinsurance when you receive care, bronze plans come with low monthly premiums, making them particularly cost-effective options if you don’t expect to need to access health care services often.^[4]

Furthermore, you can lower both your premiums and your out-of-pocket costs by selecting a health maintenance organization (HMO) plan over a preferred provider organization (PPO) plan. That said, you should keep in mind that HMOs don’t cover out-of-network care except in emergencies, and they don’t allow you to see a specialist unless you first receive a referral from your primary care physician.^[5]

What Is the Average Cost of Health Insurance in Iowa by City?

See the table below for a rundown of median monthly Marketplace health insurance rates before considering premium tax credits for 30-year-olds who make $40,000 per year and live in one of Iowa’s five most populous cities.^[6]

Which Health Insurance Companies Are the Most Affordable in Iowa?

Among Iowa health insurance companies, Wellmark boasts the lowest starting rates for silver-tier coverage sold to 40-year-olds. In the upcoming table, you’ll see examples of other health insurance coverage providers that offer silver health plans for under $800 per month in Iowa.^[7]

When Is Open Enrollment for Health Insurance in Iowa?

Iowans can join health plans listed on the Marketplace during the federal open enrollment period from November 1 to January 15. Coverage begins at the start of the new year if you sign up by December 15, while it will start on February 1 if you sign up afterward. You can also enroll in Marketplace coverage at any time if you qualify for a special enrollment period after major life events, like moving to a new home or losing your current health coverage.^[8]

What Types of Health Insurance Are Available in Iowa?

If you live in Iowa, you may have the option to enroll in health insurance coverage types such as these:

• Marketplace health insurance
• Private coverage purchased directly from an insurance company, such as short-term health insurance
• Employer-sponsored group health insurance
• Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) continuation coverage
• Medicare
• Medicaid
• Children’s Health Insurance Program, or CHIP (also known as Healthy and Well Kids in Iowa, or Hawki)
• Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health benefits
• Student health plans

How To Get Health Insurance in Iowa

To find the best deal on the health insurance coverage you need, you should compare health insurance quotes from about three to five insurers. You’ll need to give each carrier information like your age, ZIP code, household income and more to obtain a quote, which can undoubtedly make for a tedious process if you contact each insurer separately.

That’s where SmartFinancial comes in. Simply fill out a brief questionnaire to let us know what kind of coverage you’re looking for, and then we’ll get you in touch with agents who are prepared to help you find the best health insurance plan for your circumstances. Start comparing health insurance quotes for free today by clicking here.