Compare individual and family health plans from top insurance companies at the lowest available cost.
Iowa health insurance plans
Compare individual and family health plans from top insurance companies at the lowest available cost.
Need health insurance in Iowa? eHealth makes shopping easy.
Navigating Iowa health insurance plans
Finding the right health insurance plan in Iowa can be overwhelming. Whether you’re an individual looking for comprehensive coverage or a family seeking a plan to fit everyone’s needs, it’s important to consider factors such as:
Coverage needs
Evaluate what types of medical services you or your family use most frequently. Do you need regular doctor visits, specialist care, or prescription medications?
Budget
Look at both premiums and out-of-pocket costs. Sometimes a plan with a higher premium may save you money overall if you frequently use healthcare services.
Provider network
Ensure your preferred doctors and hospitals are included in the plan’s network to avoid higher out-of-network costs.
Additional benefits
Some plans offer extra perks, like wellness programs, telemedicine, or mental health services, which could be valuable to you or your family’s overall health.
Find health insurance plans for every stage of life
Health insurance
Health insurance exists to protect you from substantial medical costs. Each plan is an agreement between you and the health insurance company about the services they will cover, how much you will pay, and how much they will pay.
Can cover everything from routine cleanings and fillings to more comprehensive procedures, usually at a low premium. May cover annual eye exams and/or reduce the cost of contact lenses or glasses.
When you buy an insurance policy, you will pay a premium payment monthly or annually. In exchange for that premium, your insurance provider agrees to cover a portion of your healthcare bills as outlined in your plan policy. You are still responsible for some costs, like deductibles and copays. Here are descriptions of those costs and what you should expect.
Stay up to date on enrollment deadlines
Plus, get expert tips for choosing the right health plan.
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Frequently asked questions
Iowa defers to the federal Affordable Care Act (ACA) as the authority for health insurance coverage requirements applicable to all U.S. citizens. The ACA no longer requires all individuals to have a minimum level of health coverage.
You can sign up for health insurance through the federal health insurance marketplace, a private health insurance company, or a licensed health insurance broker like eHealth. If you missed open enrollment, you still may be able to enroll in health insurance in Iowa if you qualify for a special enrollment period. If you don’t have a qualifying life event, Iowa residents can also apply for short-term health plans through private insurers. These policies have initial terms up to 364 days with the option to renew.
Iowa residents can expect to pay an average of $568.14 per person for an individual health insurance plan. This is the average monthly premium price of a plan available from eHealth in Iowa, but actual prices available depend on zip code, age, gender, plan metal level, and other factors. Get a personalized quote to see what may be available for you.
Iowa does not have its own state-run health insurance marketplace. This means that in order to obtain Iowa medical insurance, you need to go through the federal health insurance exchange called HealthCare.gov or a licensed health insurance broker like eHealth.
You can enroll in an ACA-compliant health insurance plan in Iowa during the enrollment period that is followed by HealthCare.gov. This enrollment period ranges from November 1 to January 15, which gives you a little over two-and-a-half months to choose a plan that offers affordable health insurance in Iowa. Outside of the federal open enrollment period, you may qualify for a special enrollment period, if you have experienced a qualifying life event like losing your job or getting married.
A broad range of health insurance plans are available in Iowa.
If you are employed by a company with 51 or more workers, you may coverage under your employer’s large group health insurance plan. If you leave your job or your employment is terminated, you may be able to enroll in an ACA-compliant Iowa insurance plan through the marketplace, healthcare.gov. Individual and family health insurance may be purchased on or off the marketplace, Healthcare.gov. If you purchase Iowa health insurance on the marketplace, you may be eligible for tax credits that reduce your coverage cost, depending upon your income. Small group health insurance may be purchased from Iowa licensed insurance companies if you are an employer of 50 or fewer workers. Currently small group health insurance in Iowa cannot be purchased on the marketplace. Short-term, limited duration health insurance in Iowa is available for coverage up to 364 days. Some plans may be renewable. Some plans may cover pre-existing health conditions; others do not. Medicare coverage is available in Iowa to eligible residents. This includes the federal government program, Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, standalone Prescription Drug), and Medicare supplemental plans offered by private insurers. Medicaid programs are designed to provide low or no cost coverage for Iowa residents with low incomes and certain disabilities.
If you enrolled in an Iowa health insurance plan through the marketplace, you can renew your plan during the Open Enrollment Period (November 1 – January 15), In Iowa, 3:00 am ET on December 16 is the deadline for you to act to renew coverage for January 1st of the following year. We encourage you to actively review your plan options and update your income information to determine if you are eligible for Advance Premium Tax Credits that may reduce your costs.
If you do nothing, in most cases the marketplace will automatically renew your Iowa health insurance plan. However, if the insurer isn’t offering the same plan next year as you have this year, the insurer will automatically assign you to a plan the insurer offers next year that is similar to the plan you have this year. You have until January 15 to change plans if you wish.
If you purchased health insurance in Iowa directly from an insurer rather than through Healthcare.gov, your insurer will probably automatically renew your plan if you take no action.
If you receive your Iowa health insurance through Medicaid, you must renew annually. You will receive a renewal form in the mail. You must complete the form and return it to the DHS office by mail or in person. If you take no action, your Medicaid coverage will end.
To qualify for Medicaid in Iowa, applicants have an annual household income (before taxes) that is below 133% of the federal poverty less. This means an income less than $19,392 for an individual and $39,900 annually for a family of four. For a family of eight, the maximum income to qualify for Medicaid in Iowa below $67,245. To calculate the maximum income for larger families, add $6,835 per additional person.
Currently, Medicare Advantage and/or Special Needs plan options are available in all 99 counties in Iowa. Original Medicare continues to be a choice in all areas. No matter which option you choose, you are still in the Medicare program.
If you choose to receive your Medicare benefits through Original Medicare, you can purchase Part D prescription drug coverage from one of the Prescription Drug Plans operated by private insurers contracted with Medicare. All Iowans have access to at least one Prescription Drug plan. You can also purchase a Medicare Supplement plan, which can help cover some of the costs not covered by Original Medicare.
A number of resources on health insurance, Iowa are available at no charge to Iowa residents. Listed below are several of the most commonly accessed resources.
Consumer Advocate Bureau Provides Iowa consumers with assistance in navigating the health care system and assistance programs. Tel. 1-877-955-1212
