Best Medicare Supplement Plans in Iowa 2026
Iowa does not currently have a birthday rule, making your initial Open Enrollment Period the most important time to choose your Medigap plan. MedMutual Protect offers the lowest Plan G at $128/mo and Plan N at $92/mo. Over 30+ carriers serve Iowa.
Iowa Does Not Currently Have a Birthday Rule
A birthday rule bill (SF 71) was introduced in Iowa in January 2025 to create a 30-day annual switching window starting January 1, 2026. As of early 2026, the bill had not been signed into law. Until a birthday rule is enacted, your six-month Open Enrollment Period when you turn 65 is the most important time to choose your Medigap plan. Contact Iowa SHIIP at (800) 351-4664 for the latest status on the legislation.
More than 130,000 Iowa residents have Medicare Supplement Insurance, also called Medigap. Iowa follows standard federal Medigap rules, offering plans A through N. The state does not currently have a birthday rule, which means your initial Open Enrollment Period is the most important window for choosing your plan.
Plan G is the most popular choice for new enrollees, covering nearly all Medicare out-of-pocket costs except the annual Part B deductible ($283 in 2026). Plan G premiums in Des Moines range from $128/mo (MedMutual Protect) to over $224/mo (AARP/UHC) for a 65-year-old. The state average is $210/mo, so shopping carefully can save $80/mo or more.
MedMutual Protect is the standout carrier in Iowa, offering both the lowest Plan G ($128/mo) and the lowest Plan N ($92/mo). State Farm offers the highest financial strength (A++) with a large local agent network across Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and rural Iowa. Transamerica is the only carrier offering all 10 plan types with issue-age pricing, which locks your premium at your enrollment age.
Compare the Best Medicare Supplement Plans in Iowa
Our top-rated Medigap carriers in Iowa, ranked by the MedicareFAQ Score. Rates shown are for a 65-year-old in the Des Moines area and are updated for 2026.
MedMutual Protect
Plan G
$128/mo/mo
Plan N
$92/mo/mo
AM Best
A+
MedMutual Protect offers the lowest Plan G ($128/mo) and Plan N ($92/mo) rates in Iowa for 65-year-olds, saving seniors up to $82/mo compared to the state average. The A+ AM Best rating and strong Midwest presence make it the top overall pick for Iowa.
State Farm
Plan G
$173/mo/mo
Plan N
$N/A/mo
AM Best
A++
State Farm earns the highest AM Best rating (A++) of any carrier in Iowa and offers the lowest Plan A at $124/mo. With a large local agent network across Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and rural Iowa, State Farm is the best choice for seniors who want face-to-face service and top-tier financial strength.
Transamerica
Plan G
$214/mo/mo
Plan N
$N/A/mo
AM Best
A
Transamerica is the only carrier in Iowa offering all 10 standard Medigap plan types. It uses issue-age pricing, meaning your premium is locked at your enrollment age and does not increase as you get older. Plan K at $74/mo is the lowest in Iowa, and Plan L at $110/mo is also the cheapest available.
Wellcare
Plan G
$144/mo/mo
Plan N
$N/A/mo
AM Best
A-
Wellcare offers Plan G at $144/mo in Iowa, the second-lowest rate in the state after MedMutual Protect. It is a solid mid-tier option for seniors who want low Plan G premiums with a nationally recognized carrier.
Philadelphia American
Plan G
$186/mo/mo
Plan N
$N/A/mo
AM Best
A-
Philadelphia American offers the lowest Plan C ($186/mo) and Plan M ($91/mo) in Iowa. Plan M covers 50% of the Part A deductible and is a strong mid-tier option for healthy seniors who want lower premiums with moderate coverage.
Iowa Medigap Premium Comparison
Monthly premiums for a 65-year-old in Des Moines, Iowa. Rates are for standard Plan G, Plan N, and Plan F. Premiums vary by ZIP code, age, gender, and tobacco use.
| Insurance Company | Plan G Monthly | Plan N Monthly | Plan F Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|
| MedMutual Protect | $128 | $92 | $146 |
| Wellcare | $144 | N/A | $185 |
| LifeShield National | $150 | N/A | N/A |
| Government Personnel Mutual | $155 | N/A | N/A |
| Nassau | $159 | N/A | N/A |
| State Farm | $173 | N/A | N/A |
| Philadelphia American | $186 | N/A | N/A |
| Transamerica | $214 | N/A | N/A |
| AARP/UnitedHealthcare | $224 | N/A | N/A |
Rates are for a 65-year-old in Des Moines, Iowa. N/A indicates the plan is not offered by that carrier in Iowa. Plan F is only available to Medicare beneficiaries who became eligible before January 1, 2020. Source: carrier rate filings, updated 2026.
Plan G vs. Plan N in Iowa
Plan G and Plan N are the two most popular Medigap plans for new enrollees in Iowa. Here is how they compare.
| Feature | Plan G | Plan N |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly premium (lowest IA rate) | $128/mo (MedMutual Protect) | $92/mo (MedMutual Protect) |
| Part A hospital coinsurance | Covered | Covered |
| Part B coinsurance (20%) | Covered | Covered (with copays) |
| Part B deductible ($283) | Not covered | Not covered |
| Part B excess charges | Covered | Not covered |
| Office visit copay | None | Up to $20 |
| ER visit copay (no admission) | None | Up to $50 |
| Best for | Frequent care, predictable costs | Healthy seniors, low monthly costs |
Iowa does not currently have a birthday rule, so your initial Open Enrollment Period is the single most important decision you will make about your Medigap coverage. MedMutual Protect at $128/mo for Plan G is the lowest in the state and has an A+ AM Best rating. If you want the absolute highest financial strength, State Farm at $173/mo carries an A++ rating and has local agents across Iowa. For the best long-term premium stability, Transamerica uses issue-age pricing, which locks your rate at your enrollment age. If Iowa eventually passes a birthday rule, you will have an annual window to shop. Until then, choose carefully at 65. Call Iowa SHIIP at (800) 351-4664 for free, unbiased help.
Iowa Medigap Rules You Should Know
No Birthday Rule (Pending Legislation)
Iowa does not currently have a birthday rule. A bill (SF 71) was introduced in January 2025 to create a 30-day annual switching window starting January 1, 2026. As of early 2026, the bill had not been signed into law. Contact Iowa SHIIP at (800) 351-4664 for the latest status.
Open Enrollment Period Is Your Best Window
Your six-month Open Enrollment Period starts when you turn 65 and enroll in Medicare Part B. During this window, carriers must accept you regardless of health conditions and cannot charge higher premiums for pre-existing conditions.
Attained-Age vs. Issue-Age Pricing
Most Iowa carriers use attained-age pricing, meaning premiums increase as you get older. Transamerica uses issue-age pricing, which locks your rate at your enrollment age. Community-rated pricing is not available in Iowa.
Under-65 Coverage Not Required
Iowa insurers are not required to offer Medigap to Medicare beneficiaries under age 65 who qualify due to disability. Some carriers do offer coverage voluntarily, but premiums are typically much higher.
Plan F Closed to New Enrollees
Plan F is only available to Medicare beneficiaries who became eligible before January 1, 2020. New enrollees should consider Plan G, which provides the same coverage except for the Part B deductible ($283 in 2026).
Free Counseling Through Iowa SHIIP
Iowa's Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) provides free, unbiased Medicare counseling. Call (800) 351-4664 or contact your local Area Agency on Aging. SHIIP counselors do not sell insurance.
MedicareFAQ Scoring Methodology
The MedicareFAQ Score rates Medicare Supplement carriers on a scale of 1.0 to 5.0 based on five key factors. Our ratings are independent and not influenced by advertising relationships.
Financial Strength (AM Best Rating)
AM Best ratings from A++ (superior) to A- (excellent). Higher ratings indicate greater ability to pay claims.
Premium Competitiveness
Plan G and Plan N premiums compared to Iowa state averages. Lower premiums relative to the state average score higher.
Pricing Method
Issue-age and community-rated plans score higher than attained-age plans due to greater long-term premium stability.
Plan Availability
Carriers offering more plan types (especially G, N, F, K, L) score higher for flexibility.
Customer Satisfaction
NAIC complaint ratios and J.D. Power scores. Lower complaint ratios and higher satisfaction scores earn higher ratings.
Last updated: May 2026 | Data sources: NAIC complaint ratios, AM Best ratings, carrier rate filings, CMS Medicare Plan Finder
Frequently Asked Questions
Compare Iowa Medigap Rates Before Your Open Enrollment Window Closes
Iowa does not have a birthday rule. Your Open Enrollment Period is your best opportunity to get guaranteed coverage. MedMutual Protect offers Plan G from $128/mo and Plan N from $92/mo. State Farm provides A++ financial strength. Call Iowa SHIIP at (800) 351-4664 for free counseling.