Cheapest Health Insurance in Iowa (2024 Plans)

Choosing a metal tier affects health insurance premiums and out-of-pocket expenses. Medica offers the lowest-priced Bronze plan in Iowa, while Oscar has the Catastrophic plan covered. For Silver, Gold and Expanded Bronze tiers, Blue Cross Blue Shield presents the most affordable plans.

If you are looking to balance monthly premiums with quality claims and coverage, MoneyGeek also researched the best health insurance in Iowa.

The most budget-friendly option in the Silver tier in Iowa is Wellmark Silver Primary Care | UnityPoint Health, offered by Blue Cross Blue Shield, at only $413 per month. Silver plans are popular because they balance monthly premiums with coverage costs. Those seeking lower premiums may consider Bronze plans, accepting higher out-of-pocket costs.

Health insurance premiums are contingent on the chosen metal tier, with a balance to strike between high monthly payments and lower costs when care is required.

Here are the most affordable health insurance plans for each metal tier:

• Catastrophic: Secure | MercyOne ($276 per month)
• Bronze: Inspire by Medica Bronze Standard ($368 per month)
• Expanded Bronze: Wellmark Bronze Primary Care | UnityPoint Health ($312 per month)
• Silver: Wellmark Silver Primary Care | UnityPoint Health ($413 per month)
• Gold: Wellmark Gold Primary Care | UnityPoint Health ($398 per month)

For more information on finding cheap health insurance plans that suit your needs, explore available options and resources.

Iowa's most affordable Silver tier health plan is the Wellmark Silver Primary Care | UnityPoint Health from Blue Cross Blue Shield, which costs $413 monthly.

The top three most affordable Silver plans in Iowa include:

• Wellmark Silver Primary Care | UnityPoint Health from Blue Cross Blue Shield ($413 per month)
• Silver Simple PCP Saver | MercyOne from Oscar ($448 per month)
• Silver Classic Standard | MercyOne from Oscar ($452 per month)

Silver plans are particularly well-suited for individuals who expect to need moderate health care services or prefer a balance between monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs. Customers who qualify for cost-sharing reductions can benefit from even lower costs on copayments, coinsurance and deductibles. This ultimately leads to significant savings on health care expenses. These cost-sharing reductions are only available for Silver plans and can make them the most cost-effective option for eligible low- to middle-income customers.

The most affordable Gold tier health plan in Iowa is the Wellmark Gold Primary Care | UnityPoint Health offered by Blue Cross Blue Shield, with a monthly cost of $398.

Introducing the three most affordable health Gold plans in Iowa:

• Wellmark Gold Primary Care | UnityPoint Health from Blue Cross Blue Shield ($398 per month)
• Gold Classic Standard | MercyOne from Oscar ($443 per month)
• Wellmark Standard Gold HMO from Blue Cross Blue Shield ($449 per month)

Gold plans are typically suited for customers who expect regular medical care and want lower out-of-pocket costs when accessing health care services. These plans usually have higher monthly premiums but save customers money during health care visits due to lower deductibles and other cost-sharing measures. They are well-suited for individuals or families who prefer the security of more predictable health care costs.

The most affordable option in the Bronze tier for Iowa residents is the Inspire by Medica Bronze Standard plan provided by Medica, with a monthly cost of $368.

Here are the three most affordable Bronze health plans in Iowa:

• Inspire by Medica Bronze Standard from Medica ($368 per month)
• Empower by Medica Bronze Standard from Medica ($390 per month)
• Medica with CHI Health Bronze Standard from Medica ($395 per month)

Bronze plans are designed for customers who want lower monthly premiums and are comfortable with higher out-of-pocket costs when they need care. These plans are often a good choice for those who are relatively healthy and want to ensure they have protection against unforeseen health issues. They can be a cost-effective solution for individuals and families looking to balance affordability with coverage essentials.

The most affordable plan within the Expanded Bronze tier in Iowa is the Wellmark Bronze Primary Care | UnityPoint Health, offered by Blue Cross Blue Shield at a monthly cost of $312.

The three most affordable Expanded Bronze plans in Iowa are:

• Wellmark Bronze Primary Care | UnityPoint Health from Blue Cross Blue Shield ($312 per month)
• Wellmark Bronze HDHP HMO | Farm Bureau from Blue Cross Blue Shield ($339 per month)
• Wellmark Bronze HDHP HMO from Blue Cross Blue Shield ($339 per month)

Expanded Bronze plans are designed for individuals who desire lower monthly premiums while still having coverage for essential health benefits. These plans are especially suited for those who are relatively healthy and do not anticipate needing frequent medical care throughout the year. Moreover, an Expanded Bronze plan can be a strategic choice for customers who wish to have a safety net for worst-case scenarios without the burden of higher monthly costs.

The most affordable Catastrophic plan in Iowa is the Secure | MercyOne offered by Oscar at a monthly cost of $221.

Catastrophic plans are tailored for individuals 30 years old and below, including those with a hardship exemption, who anticipate needing moderate health care services. These plans usually have lower monthly premiums but higher out-of-pocket costs when seeking medical attention, making them suitable for people who prefer to pay less upfront for their health insurance. They provide a middle ground for those who wish to balance monthly premium costs with the peace of mind of having coverage for significant health events.

Iowans earning up to 250% below the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) are eligible for cost-sharing reductions (CSRs) on Silver plans, which help lower deductibles and out-of-pocket costs.

For those with an annual income ranging from $14,580 to $21,870, the most affordable Silver plan is Wellmark Silver Primary Care | UnityPoint Health by Blue Cross Blue Shield, with a maximum out-of-pocket cost of $1,700.

The maximum out-of-pocket cost for the most affordable plan is shown below:

• Wellmark Silver Primary Care | UnityPoint Health from Blue Cross Blue Shield ($413 per month; $1,700 MOOP)

Iowa's CSRs are only available on Silver plans. The income figures indicated are for single individuals and may vary for different household sizes.

Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) is Iowa's most popular plan type. The most affordable HMO option is the Wellmark Silver Primary Care from Blue Cross Blue Shield at a monthly cost of $413.

• HMO: Wellmark Silver Primary Care from Blue Cross Blue Shield ($413 per month)
• EPO: Silver Simple PCP Saver from Oscar ($448 per month)

Iowa also offers EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization) plans for those seeking alternatives to HMO plans, which balance between flexibility and cost. EPO plans generally require you to seek medical care within a specified network of doctors and hospitals but do not mandate referrals for specialists.

Health insurance rates and availability of specific plans vary by county in Iowa.

Comparing the most affordable plans in the largest and smallest counties by population shows this variation:

• Polk: Wellmark Silver Primary Care | UnityPoint Health from Blue Cross Blue Shield ($411 per month)
• Adams: Wellmark Standard Silver HMO from Blue Cross Blue Shield ($510 per month)

The following table displays all available plans in each county in Iowa.

Age is a key factor in health insurance rates within metal tiers in Iowa. An 18-year-old with a Silver plan pays about $381, while a 60-year-old with the same tier faces significantly higher costs of around $1,133, showing a $752 difference.

Metal tiers indicate plan quality and coverage, affecting how much a person pays. For example, a 40-year-old with a Bronze plan has a monthly cost of around $413, whereas a Gold plan for someone the same age is approximately $546, with the Gold plan costing $133 more each month.

MoneyGeek broke down all the health insurance options in Iowa. We explain private insurance in the marketplace, which comes in different metal levels like Bronze, Silver and Gold. We also cover Medicaid and Medicare. Our goal is to help you understand your choices so you can pick the best health care for yourself.

The open enrollment period in Iowa typically occurs from November 1 to December 15, mirroring the federal schedule for purchasing or changing private health insurance plans through the marketplace. Iowans can select new health plans during this period or adjust their coverage for the upcoming year. If someone misses the open enrollment deadline due to life events such as marriage, childbirth or loss of coverage, they may still qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). Otherwise, they'll have to wait until the next open enrollment, unless they qualify for Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which allow enrollment year-round.

Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides health care coverage to eligible low-income adults, children, pregnant women, elderly adults and people with disabilities. In Iowa, eligibility is based on income, family size and special circumstances like pregnancy or disability status. Income thresholds vary, typically aligning with federal poverty levels, and the program is designed to ensure that vulnerable populations receive essential medical services. Children, for example, may qualify through the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), even if their parents do not meet the Medicaid income criteria. Regular reviews determine continued eligibility for beneficiaries.

Medicare is a federal health care program primarily for individuals aged 65 or older. But it is also available to certain younger people with disabilities and individuals with End-Stage Renal Disease. In Iowa, eligibility mirrors the federal guidelines. Medicare is divided into multiple parts, with each serving a different function.

Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care and some home health care. Part B covers certain doctors' services, outpatient care, medical supplies and preventive services. Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage, offers an alternative way to receive your Medicare benefits through private insurance companies approved by Medicare. Part D adds prescription drug coverage to Original Medicare, some Medicare Cost Plans, some Medicare Private-Fee-for-Service Plans and Medicare Medical Savings Account Plans.

MoneyGeek has identified the best Medicare Advantage Plans in Iowa as well as the best Medicare Supplement plans in Iowa.

You may have questions about cost and availability when looking for health insurance. MoneyGeek responded to frequently asked questions about cheap private health insurance in Iowa to help you learn more.