Iowa Medigap Plans play a key role in ensuring complete health coverage by filling gaps not covered completely by Medicare. These Medigap (or Med Supp) plans offer additional insurance that covers expenses like deductibles and copayments. With several options to choose from, residents from the Hawkeye State can discover a Medigap plan that meets their needs.
Iowa Medigap Plans Basics
Medigap Plans are a key player in making sure you’ve got your health coverage game on point. If you’re considering an Iowa Medigap Plan, here’s what you should know:
- Private Insurance Coverage: Medigap plans are federally regulated but they are offered by Private insurance companies. It’s not government-provided insurance.
- Gap Filler: Medicare will not cover all your expenses. Medigap pays for the “gaps” in Medicare coverage for fees like deductibles and copayments.
- Standardized Policies: Medicare supplement plans are regulated so insurance providers can only offer “Standardized Policies.” There are 10 plans labeled with letters. Each company offers the same plan coverage but sets its own prices.
- Initial Open Enrollment Period: You have a guaranteed right to buy during a six-month initial election period starting when you are both 65 and enrolled in Medicare Part B. Companies can’t reject or charge you more for pre-existing health conditions during this period.
- Excess Charges: Occasionally, medical providers can sneak in an additional 15% on your bill. But fear not! Some Medigap plans, including Plan G, cover those charges. Get the lowdown in our article ‘How To Avoid Medicare Excess Charges’.
Click here for an instant quote. No one can offer the same Medigap plan for less than Senior65.com.
Iowa Medigap Plan Chart of Current Plans
Plans available for those Medicare-eligible after January 1, 2020:
| Benefits | A | B | D | G* | K | L | M | N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medicare Part A Deductible ($1,632) | 100% | 100% | 100% | 50% | 75% | 50% | 100% | |
| Part B Deductible ($240) | ||||||||
| Medicare Part A Hospital Coinsurance and 365 additional hospital days | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Medicare Part B Coinsurance | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 50% | 75% | 100% | 100% |
| First 3 Pints of Blood for a Transfusion | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 50% | 75% | 100% | 100% |
| Medicare Part A Hospice Coinsurance or Copay | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 50% | 75% | 100% | 100% |
| Skilled Nursing Facility Coinsurance | 100% | 100% | 50% | 75% | 100% | 100% | ||
| Medicare Part B Excess Charges | 100% | |||||||
| Foreign Emergency Healthcare | 80% | 80% | 80% | 80% | ||||
| Max Out-of-Pocket | $7,060 | $3,530 |
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*Medigap Plan G High deductible ($2,800) is also available. Note: Plan
When Can I Buy a Medicare Supplement in IA?
If you’re a 65-year-old entering Medicare and enrolled in Medicare, you’ve got a golden six-month open enrollment. During this time, companies can’t turn you down or charge more just because of your age. Check out our article “When is the limited period to enroll in Medigap” for more info.
Your initial open enrollment period technically starts when you hit 65 AND sign up for Medicare Part B. If you delay your Medicare Part B enrollment until 68, you will still have a 6-month period to enroll in Medigap without health questions or price increases. Once that 6-month window closes, some companies might decline you due to pre-existing coverage. Missed your chance? Don’t panic – our article “Help! I’ve Missed My Medigap Initial Enrollment Period. What Should I Do?” has your back.
Guarantee Issue Outside your Initial Open Enrollment
Guaranteed issue means insurance companies offer coverage without checking existing health conditions. Certain events can trigger guaranteed issue plans. These rules are national and not unique to Iowa. Here are a few examples:
- Your employer health plan stops (even if you just end it yourself).
- Enrolled in a Medicare Advantage, Medicare Cost, or Medicare Select Plan, and you discontinue due to relocation or if the plan discontinues Medicare services.
- Your Medicare Supplement plan ends due to issues with the insurance company.
- You switch from a Supplement to an Advantage plan and change back within 12 months.
- Enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan at age 65 during your Initial Enrollment Period for Part B and disenroll within 12 months (Source)
If you need help figuring this out or just enrolling in a plan, please give us a call at 800-930-7956! There is never a charge or hidden fee to work with us!
Medigap Under 65
Some insurers may offer Medigap for those under 65 with disabilities but there is no state law that we know of that mandates insurance companies cover those under 65. Check waiting periods for pre-existing conditions for more detailed information, which can be found in the article “Medigap Under 65 State Rules.”
Iowa Medigap Plans Discounts
Many Medigap plans will give you a discount if you set up automatic payment. Also, you may be able to receive a Household Discount (sometimes called “HHD” or “HH”). Usually, but not always, it requires both spouses to buy the same Medigap policy. Learn how to see who offers an HHD and how big the discount is in your area in our “Medigap Household Discounts” article.
What’s next for Iowans?
Questions? Leave a comment below or call us at 800-930-7956. You can get a Quick Medigap quote here. There are no extra fees and we’re here to help.