Best Medicare Advantage Plans in Iowa (2026)

Key Takeaways

Humana has the best HMO Medicare Advantage options in Iowa with a 3.5 CMS star rating, $0 monthly premium and $4,200 maximum out-of-pocket limit.

Aetna offers top HMO-POS plans in Iowa at $17 monthly, while MediGold provides the best PPO plans at $0 monthly with greater provider flexibility.

Before enrolling in an Iowa Medicare Advantage plan, confirm that your doctors, hospitals, and prescription medications are covered. Then compare monthly premiums, out-of-pocket maximums and network access to find the plan that fits your health care needs.

Best Medicare Advantage Companies in Iowa

We analyzed CMS star ratings, premiums, out-of-pocket limits, and plan features to identify the best Medicare Advantage plans in Iowa that provide strong value across HMO, HMO-POS and PPO plans. Humana leads the HMO category with $0 monthly premiums and an average $4,200 out-of-pocket maximum, though its CMS rating is a lower 3.5 stars. For HMO-POS plans,

Aetna delivers solid 4-star coverage, while MediGold tops the PPO market with 4-star ratings, competitive pricing, and comprehensive benefits.


HMO	Humana	3.50	$0	$4,200	Humana Gold Plus H0028-053 (HMO)
HMO-POS	Aetna	4.50	$17	$4,343	Aetna Medicare Signature (HMO-POS)
PPO	MediGold	4.00	$0	$4,400	MercyOne Health Plan Choice (PPO)

Medicare Advantage plans bundle hospital stays, doctor visits and prescription drug coverage into comprehensive packages offered by private insurers. These plans serve as alternatives to Original Medicare while adding extra benefits like dental, vision and hearing coverage.

CMS Star Ratings: Plans receive ratings from 1 to 5 stars based on care quality and member satisfaction. Higher-rated plans with 4 or 5 stars deliver superior performance and customer service.
Monthly premiums: You'll pay your standard Part B premium plus any plan-specific costs, though many Medicare Advantage plans charge no additional monthly premium. Total costs depend on your coverage level and location.
Maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) limits: These annual spending caps protect you from excessive medical bills. Your plan pays 100% of covered services once you reach your MOOP limit.
Drug coverage: Prescription drug benefits come standard with most Medicare Advantage plans. Review each plan's drug formulary to confirm your medications are covered and understand any usage restrictions.

Humana

Best HMO

MoneyGeek Rating

4.5/ 5

5/5Affordability

3.8/5Quality

5/5Availability

CMS Star Rating
3.5
Plan Types
HMO, PPO, PFFS

pros
- 3 of 5 plans charge $0 monthly premium
- Provides the only PFFS plan in the state
cons
- No HMO-POS plan options
- Out-of-pocket maximums as high as $9,250
Iowa beneficiaries can choose from five Humana Medicare Advantage plans across three network types, all rated 3.5 stars by CMS. The Gold Plus HMO plan has the lowest out-of-pocket exposure at $4,200, carries no monthly premium, and includes enhanced Part D coverage with select tiers waiving the deductible.

Two zero-premium PPO plans provide broader network access. The Full Access PPO sets the out-of-pocket maximum at $4,250, while the Giveback PPO increases the maximum to $5,000. A third PPO option costs $38 per month and comes with a high $9,250 out-of-pocket maximum. Humana also the state's only Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS) plan at $37 monthly with a $6,800 out-of-pocket limit, allowing members to see any Medicare-accepting provider.

Aetna Medicare

Best HMO-POS

MoneyGeek Rating

4.8/ 5

5/5Affordability

5/5Quality

2.5/5Availability

CMS Star Rating
4.5
Plan Types
HMO-POS, PPO

pros
- 4 of 6 plans have $0 premium
- Strong 4.5-star CMS ratings on HMO-POS plans
- Relatively low MOOP limits
cons
- Lower 3.5-star CMS rating on PPO plans
- No standard HMO plans
Aetna's three HMO-POS Medicare Advantage plans all earn 4.5-star CMS ratings and include enhanced Part D prescription drug coverage. The Aetna Medicare Value Care plan offers the lowest out-of-pocket maximum at $3,900, and it has a $41 monthly premium. The Aetna Medicare Signature plan caps spending at $4,300 with no monthly premium, while the Signature Extra plan reaches $5,000 annually but also charges $0 monthly.

For PPO coverage, Aetna provides three plans with nationwide network flexibility but lower 3.5-star ratings. Two zero-premium PPOs set out-of-pocket maximums at $5,000 and $5,500, offering budget-friendly access to broader provider networks. The Enhanced Extra PPO costs $57 per month and features the lowest PPO out-of-pocket maximum at $4,500.

MediGold

Best PPO

MoneyGeek Rating

4.7/ 5

4.9/5Affordability

5/5Quality

2.5/5Availability

CMS Star Rating
4.0
Plan Types
HMO, PPO

pros
- 3 of 4 plans have $0 premium
- Strong CMS ratings on all plans
cons
- Limited plan selection
- No HMO-POS options
MediGold offers four MercyOne Health Plan options in Iowa, all featuring enhanced Part D prescription benefits that waive deductibles on select medication tiers. These plans give you access to quality-rated coverage through MercyOne’s provider network.

The Choice PPO plan provides nationwide network flexibility, a 4-star CMS rating, no monthly premium, and a $4,400 out-of-pocket maximum. The provider's three HMO plans earn 4.5-star ratings. The No Premium HMO delivers $0 monthly premiums with a $4,200 out-of-pocket maximum and enhanced drug coverage. The Plus HMO costs $23 per month but lowers the maximum to $3,900, while the Cash Back HMO remains premium-free with a higher $6,900 out-of-pocket limit.

Best HMO Medicare Advantage Plans in Iowa

Iowa HMO Medicare Advantage plans feature strong CMS star ratings from 3.5 to 5.0 stars, with nine of the ten available plans earning 4 stars or higher. HMO plans in the state are available from four providers, and more than half of all plans have no monthly premium.

Humana leads with a 4.5 MoneyGeek score, offering one plan with a $0 monthly premium and $4,200 average out-of-pocket maximum, though it holds a 3.5-star CMS rating.
Devoted Health provides two no-premium plans with an average $5,450 out-of-pocket maximum.
MediGold has three HMO plans averaging $8 per month, $5,000 out-of-pocket maximums, and solid 4.5-star CMS ratings.


Humana	3.50	$0	$4,200	1	4.50
Devoted Health	5.00	$0	$5,450	2	4.27
MediGold	4.50	$8	$5,000	3	4.08
Quartz Medicare Advantage (HMO)	4.00	$79	$5,075	4	3.40

WHY CHOOSE AN HMO PLAN?

HMO plans use smaller provider networks and require you to select a primary care physician who'll coordinate your healthcare needs. You'll need referrals to see specialists, but you'll pay significantly less in monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs.

Best HMO-POS Medicare Advantage Plans in Iowa

Aetna and UnitedHealthcare are the only providers of HMO-POS Medicare Advantage plans in Iowa, but they both have strong CMS ratings with competitive pricing and predictable out-of-pocket costs. These plans blend the coordinated care of an HMO with limited out-of-network flexibility, giving Iowa seniors options that balance affordability, network access, and comprehensive coverage.


Aetna	4.50	$17	$4,343	3	4.75
UnitedHealthcare	4.00	$38	$5,801	4	3.50

WHY CHOOSE AN HMO-POS PLAN?

These plans let Iowa residents access out-of-network providers when needed, though you'll pay higher costs for those visits. They're good if you stay within your network, but value having specialized care options available without getting referrals first.

Best PPO Medicare Advantage Plans in Iowa

PPO plans offer Iowa seniors the flexibility to see any Medicare-approved provider without referrals, making them ideal for beneficiaries who travel frequently or want access to specialists outside their network. MediGold leads with its MercyOne Health Plan Choice, earning a 4-star rating and charging no monthly premium with a $4,400 out-of-pocket maximum. Wellmark Advantage Health Plan provides the lowest MOOP limit at $4,150 maximum with zero premium, while Aetna offers three options averaging $23 monthly across plans with a 3.5-star rating.


MediGold	4.00	$0	$4,400	1	4.67
Wellmark Advantage Health Plan	3.50	$0	$4,150	1	4.25
Aetna	3.50	$23	$4,948	3	4.02
Align powered by Sanford Health Plan	3.50	$33	$4,200	2	3.94
Humana	3.50	$13	$6,199	3	3.88
UnitedHealthcare	3.50	$36	$5,861	2	3.76
Medica	3.50	$67	$4,917	3	3.54

WHY CHOOSE A PPO PLAN?

PPO Medicare Advantage plans in Iowa cost more monthly but deliver maximum provider freedom. You can see any doctor without referrals and access out-of-network specialists when needed, though you'll pay less staying in-network.

How to Choose the Best Iowa Medicare Advantage Plan

Finding the best plan for you requires balancing your medical needs, budget constraints and how much provider choice you want.

1
Confirm Your Doctors and Hospitals Are In-Network
Contact your doctors and hospitals to verify they're in the plan's network, not just with the insurance company generally. Each plan from the same insurer can have different provider networks.
2
Compare Total Costs, Not Just Premiums
Plans with no premium may carry higher out-of-pocket costs through copays and deductibles. Factor in your expected medication expenses and typical specialist visits when calculating annual costs.
3
Check Prescription Drug Coverage
Look up your medications on the plan's formulary to verify they're covered and check which tier they're in. Higher tiers mean higher copays, and some drugs need prior approval from the plan.
4
Compare Different Plan Types
Pick an HMO plan type for the lowest premiums and coordinated care through your primary doctor. HMO-POS works if you want occasional out-of-network flexibility, while PPO suits frequent travelers or those wanting unrestricted specialist access.
5
Review Star Ratings and Quality Metrics
Star ratings measure plan quality, service and member satisfaction on a 1-5 scale. Higher-rated plans, especially those with 4 or 5 stars, deliver superior care and customer service.
6
Compare Extra Benefits
Many Iowa Medicare Advantage plans include dental, vision, hearing, fitness memberships and over-the-counter allowances. Compare extras based on what you need most for your health and wellness.
7
Check Out-of-Pocket Maximums
Out-of-pocket maximums protect you from excessive medical expenses by capping what you pay annually. Plans with lower caps offer stronger financial protection but charge higher monthly premiums.

How Much Does Medicare Advantage Cost in Iowa?

The type of Medicare Advantage plan you choose plays a major role in your costs. In Iowa, HMO plans have the highest average monthly premiums at $34, though the median premium is $0, with out-of-pocket maximums averaging $5,040. HMO-POS plans are the most affordable, averaging $14 per month with $5,334 in out-of-pocket costs, while PPO plans sit in the middle, with an average premium of $29 and a $5,074 out-of-pocket maximum.


HMO	$0	$34	$5,040
HMO-POS	$0	$14	$5,334
PFFS	$37	$37	$6,800
PPO	$0	$29	$5,074

Best Iowa Medicare Advantage: FAQ

Find answers to frequently asked questions about Medicare Advantage enrollment processes, what's covered and enrollment timing for Iowa residents.

How do you get a Medicare Advantage plan in Iowa?

Enroll during the Annual Enrollment Period (Oct. 15-Dec. 7) or when first eligible for Medicare. Apply through Medicare.gov, contact insurers directly, or work with licensed agents. Coverage begins Jan. 1 for fall enrollments or during other qualifying periods.

What does Medicare Advantage cover?

Medicare Advantage plans cover everything Original Medicare does, including hospital stays and doctor visits, plus most include prescription drugs and extras like dental and vision.

What's the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement?

Medicare Advantage replaces Original Medicare with bundled coverage from private insurers, while Medicare Supplement (Medigap) works alongside Original Medicare to cover deductibles and copays.

When is open enrollment for Medicare Advantage in Iowa?

Iowa offers multiple Medicare Advantage enrollment periods: October 15 to Dec. 7 for annual enrollment, January 1 to March 31 for current enrollees, and a seven-month window for new beneficiaries.

Our Methodology: How We Ranked Iowa's Best Medicare Advantage Plans

Our analysis of Medicare Advantage plans uses a scoring methodology and three key factors:

Affordability (50%): Cost comprises half of our overall score because it affects your budget. We evaluated monthly premiums for Part C and Part D coverage combined (30% weight) and in-network maximum out-of-pocket limits (20% weight). Plans with lower premiums and MOOP amounts score higher since they reduce your total annual health care spending.
Star Ratings (40%): CMS star ratings measure plan quality across categories like care effectiveness, customer service and member satisfaction. The Overall Star Rating combines both Part C (medical coverage) and Part D (prescription drug) ratings on a scale from 1 to 5 stars. Top-rated plans earn better scores in our analysis.
Availability (10%): We score providers based on how many states they operate in, including Washington, D.C. Providers with broader geographic availability score higher because they're more likely to maintain coverage if you move and often have more resources for customer support and plan improvements.

This scoring system helps you compare plans objectively while accounting for what matters most: what you'll pay and the quality of care you'll receive.

About Mark Fitzpatrick

Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research for insurance shoppers. His insights have been featured in CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!

He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.

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