Medicare Supplement Plan G in Iowa: 2026 Rates and Guide
This guide covers Medicare Supplement Plan G in Iowa: average 2026 premiums by age, Iowa's rating rules, top insurers, and how to enroll with the best protection available in your state.
Plan G Coverage Overview
Medicare Supplement Plan G is the most comprehensive Medigap plan available to new Medicare beneficiaries. It covers all Original Medicare cost-sharing except the annual Part B deductible ($283 in 2026). After you pay that deductible once per year, Plan G pays 100% of all Medicare-approved costs for the remainder of the year.
Plan G benefits are federally standardized; every insurer selling Plan G in Iowa must provide identical coverage. The only variable between insurers is the monthly premium and their premium increase history over time.
What Plan G Covers
- Part A coinsurance & hospital costs (up to 365 days after Medicare): ✓ Fully covered
- Part A deductible ($1,736 in 2026): ✓ Fully covered
- Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment: ✓ Fully covered
- Part B coinsurance or copayment (20% of outpatient costs): ✓ Fully covered
- Part B deductible ($283 in 2026): ✗ Not covered (you pay this cost) (The only cost you pay: $283 in 2026)
- Part B excess charges (above Medicare-approved amount): ✓ Fully covered
- Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance: ✓ Fully covered
- Foreign travel emergency coverage (up to plan limits): ✓ Fully covered (Up to plan limits after $250 deductible; 80% covered up to $50,000 lifetime)
Source: CMS standardized Medigap benefit chart. CMS Publication 02110.
Plan G Premiums in Iowa (2026)
Premiums for Plan G in Iowa vary by insurer, age, gender, and tobacco use. The estimates below are for a non-smoking female. Men typically pay 5–10% more. Tobacco users may pay significantly more. These are representative starting ranges; always get current quotes directly from insurers or through Medicare.gov.
| Age | Estimated Monthly Premium | Annual Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Age 65 (new enrollee) | ~$114/mo | ~$1368/yr |
| Age 70 | ~$143/mo | ~$1710/yr |
| Age 75 | ~$177/mo | ~$2120/yr |
| Age 80 | ~$217/mo | ~$2599/yr |
* Age 70–80 estimates use typical attained-age premium progression factors. Verify current rates at Medicare.gov.
How Iowa Rates Medigap Premiums: Attained-Age Rating
Like most states, Iowa allows insurers to use attained-age rating for Medigap premiums. This means your premium is based on your current age and will increase automatically each year as you get older, in addition to any general rate increases.
In attained-age states, the premium you pay at age 65 may look very affordable, but premiums typically double or triple by your 80s. When comparing quotes, always ask the insurer for projected premium schedules at ages 70, 75, and 80, not just your age-65 rate.
Strategy tip: In attained-age states like Iowa, consider whether the insurer has a history of stable rate increases. Some insurers have better track records than others. A free SHIP counselor can help you compare insurer histories.
Iowa Plan G Costs in Context
At an estimated $114/month for a 65-year-old, Plan G in Iowa ranks #7 of 51 among states and DC from lowest to highest cost, sitting 16% below the national median of $135/month in our dataset. Iowa is home to about 720,000 Medicare beneficiaries (#29 by enrollment), so the number of active insurers can be more limited than in the largest states.
Iowa uses attained-age rating, so the $1,368 a year implied by today's Plan G premium is a starting point that typically rises as you age. Ask each insurer for its rate-increase history before you commit.
Plan G vs Plan N break-even in Iowa
Plan N costs about $23 less per month than Plan G here, or roughly $276 a year. Because Plan N can charge up to $20 per office visit and up to $50 per emergency room visit that does not lead to admission, that saving is used up after about 13 office visits or 5 ER visits in a year (the copays are maximums, so real-world break-even is often a little higher). Plan N also does not cover Part B excess charges.
| Care use in a year | Plan G total | Plan N total (max copays) | Lower cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light use: 2 office visits, no ER | $1,651 | $1,415 | Plan N |
| Typical use: 6 office visits, no ER | $1,651 | $1,495 | Plan N |
| Regular use: 12 office visits, 1 ER visit | $1,651 | $1,665 | Plan G |
| Heavy use: 20 office visits, 2 ER visits | $1,651 | $1,875 | Plan G |
Totals add twelve months of the estimated age-65 premium to the $283 Part B deductible (2026) that both plans leave to you, plus Plan N copays at their maximum. They exclude Part B premiums and Part D. Actual quotes vary by insurer, age, gender, and tobacco use.
How Iowa compares with nearby states
Other Midwest states with similar Plan G pricing, for comparison:
| State | Plan G (age 65) | Plan N (age 65) | Rating method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa | ~$114/mo | ~$91/mo | attained age |
| Nebraska | ~$113/mo | ~$90/mo | attained age |
| Kansas | ~$112/mo | ~$90/mo | attained age |
| Missouri | ~$118/mo | ~$94/mo | attained age |
| North Dakota | ~$110/mo | ~$88/mo | attained age |
Top Plan G Insurers in Iowa
The following insurance companies are among the leading sellers of Medicare Supplement Plan G in Iowa: Wellmark BCBS, Mutual of Omaha, UnitedHealthcare.
Because Plan G benefits are standardized, there's no meaningful difference in what these companies cover. Your decision should be based on:
- Current premium: get quotes from all of them
- Premium increase history: ask for data from the past 3–5 years
- Financial strength rating: look for A.M. Best ratings of A- or better
- Customer service reviews: complaints per 1,000 policyholders (available from NAIC)
How to Enroll in Plan G in Iowa
- Confirm you're eligible: You must be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. Most people first become eligible at age 65.
- Enroll during your Open Enrollment Period: Your 6-month Medigap OEP starts the month you're both age 65 and enrolled in Part B. During this window, insurers in Iowa cannot deny you Plan G or charge more based on health conditions.
- Compare quotes: Use Medicare.gov's Plan Finder or contact a licensed insurance broker who works with multiple companies in Iowa.
- Review premium increase history: Ask each insurer how much they've raised Plan G rates in Iowa over the past 3–5 years before enrolling.
- Pair with a Part D drug plan: Plan G does not cover prescription drugs. You'll need a separate Medicare Part D plan.
Iowa Insurance Division
The Iowa Insurance Division regulates insurance companies operating in Iowa, handles consumer complaints, and can provide a list of licensed insurers selling Plan G in your area.
- Website: https://iid.iowa.gov
- Phone: 1-877-955-1212
If you have a complaint about a Medigap insurer operating in Iowa, the Iowa Insurance Division is your primary resource for resolution.
Plan G vs Plan N in Iowa
If you're comparing Plan G and Plan N in Iowa, here are the key numbers:
| Plan | Avg. Premium (Age 65) | Doctor Visit Copay | ER Copay | Excess Charges |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plan G | ~$114/mo | $0 | $0 | ✓ Covered |
| Plan N | ~$91/mo | Up to $20 | Up to $50 | ✗ Not covered |
The premium difference in Iowa is approximately $23/month at age 65. If you rarely visit the doctor and primarily see Medicare-assignment providers, Plan N may be the better value. If you have frequent medical visits or want complete cost predictability, Plan G is worth the extra premium.
Full Plan G vs Plan N comparison →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Medicare Supplement Plan G cost in Iowa?
Average Plan G premiums in Iowa for a 65-year-old non-smoking female range from approximately $92 to $178 per month in 2026, with a typical starting rate around $114/month. Premiums vary by insurer, your exact age, gender, and tobacco use. Always get multiple quotes before enrolling.
What is attained-age rating in Iowa?
Attained-age rating means your premium is based on your current age and will increase as you get older. In Iowa, this is the most common rating method. Starting premiums at age 65 may be lower, but expect increases each year as you age.
What are my Plan G enrollment rights in Iowa?
In Iowa, Standard federal protections apply. The most important enrollment window is your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which begins the month you are both age 65 and enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this window, insurers cannot deny you coverage or charge more due to pre-existing conditions.
Who are the top Plan G insurers in Iowa?
Major insurers offering Plan G in Iowa include Wellmark BCBS, Mutual of Omaha, UnitedHealthcare. Because Plan G benefits are federally standardized, the main differences between insurers are the monthly premium and their premium increase history. Always compare quotes from at least 3–4 companies.
Does Iowa have any special Medigap protections?
Iowa follows federal standard protections. Standard federal protections apply. Some states provide additional protections; contact the Iowa Insurance Division to confirm current rules.
This site provides general information about Medicare Supplement insurance and medical alert devices. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) or any government agency. This is not medical or insurance advice. Always consult a licensed insurance professional for personalized guidance.
Medicare rules, premiums, and plan availability change annually. Always verify current information with Medicare.gov, your State Insurance Department, or a licensed insurance advisor. For free, unbiased help, contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) at shiphelp.org.
Sources
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap). medicare.gov. Retrieved September 2026.
- CMS. Choosing a Medigap Policy: A Guide to Health Insurance for People with Medicare. Publication 02110. cms.gov. Retrieved September 2026.
- Iowa Insurance Division. https://iid.iowa.gov. Retrieved September 2026.