Best and cheapest health insurance in Iowa
Cheapest health insurance companies in Iowa
Oscar, Ambetter and Wellmark have the cheapest health insurance plans in Iowa, with Silver rates starting at $452 per month before discounts.
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Affordable health insurance in Iowa
- Oscar sells the most affordable health insurance in Iowa, with Silver plans starting at $452 per month. But Oscar is only the cheapest company for about half of Iowa's population.
- Ambetter and Wellmark are also cheap options, depending on where you live.
Lowest deductibles: UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare's Silver plans have the lowest deductibles, on average, in Iowa.
That means you'll pay a lower amount out-of-pocket for your medical bills before your plan starts to pay.
With a Silver plan in Iowa, you'll pay an average of up to $5,321 each year before your plan's benefits kick in. But with a plan from UnitedHealthcare, you only have to pay up to $3,875 on average toward your health care before your plan starts to chip in.
Having a lower deductible can be a good idea if you get medical care often or don't have enough savings to pay for a large portion of your medical bills yourself.
Best health insurance companies in Iowa
Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Iowa is the best insurance company in the state.
Overall, Wellmark has excellent customer service. It's the only company in Iowa with an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars from HealthCare.gov, and it gets a perfect 5-star rating for customer experience. And Wellmark gets 85% fewer complaints than expected for a company of its size.
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Best-rated health insurance companies in Iowa
Company |
ACA rating
|
VP rating
|
|---|---|---|
| Wellmark | ||
| Ambetter | N/A | |
| UnitedHealthcare | N/A | |
| Medica | ||
| Oscar |
Most doctors and hospitals take Wellmark insurance, which makes it easier for you to choose the medical offices where you want to get care. Wellmark is part of Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), which has one of the largest doctor networks in the country.
Wellmark BCBS is also the most popular health insurance company in Iowa. About 8 in 10 health insurance plans in the state come from Wellmark.
How much does health insurance cost in Iowa?
The average cost of health insurance in Iowa is $624 per month, but you could pay about $241 per month if you get discounts based on your income.
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- Your age has a big impact on your premium. The older you are, the more you're likely to pay. That's because as you age, you're more likely to need medical care, which the plan then pays for.
- The plan tier you choose also helps determine how much you'll pay. The higher your plan tier, the more you'll usually pay monthly. Gold plans have the highest rates in Iowa but let you pay the lowest amount when you go to the doctor.
- Gold plans are only slightly more expensive than Silver plans in Iowa. Because of this, it might be worth it to compare Gold plans, even if you don't think you need that much coverage. The slightly higher cost of a Gold plan is likely offset by the plan paying for more of your medical bills.
Health insurance discount changes in Iowa for 2026
Health insurance in Iowa is estimated to cost about $241 per month if you get discounts based on your income.
That's up 75% from 2025, when the average cost after discounts was about $138 per month. Discounts in 2026 won't be as big as they have been for the past five years, unless Congress renews the "enhanced subsidies" that have been in place since 2021.
Health insurance rates in Iowa after subsidies (2025 vs. 2026)
Income | 2025 rate | 2026 rate | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| $30,000 | $49 | $155 | 216% |
| $40,000 | $154 | $287 | 86% |
| $50,000 | $283 | $415 | 47% |
| $60,000 | $423 | $498 | 18% |
| $70,000+ | $429 | $501 | 17% |
Average cost after subsidies for a single 40-year-old with a Benchmark Silver plan.
- What subsidies are: If you have a low income, you may qualify for a discount called a subsidy that lowers your monthly rate.
- How to qualify: You qualify if you make between $15,650 and $62,600 per year as a single person or between $32,150 and $128,600 per year as a family of four.
- How to use subsidies: You can use your discount with any health insurance company to get a cheaper Bronze, Silver or Gold plan. Subsidies can't be used on Catastrophic plans. You also can't get subsidies if you can get Medicaid.
- What you'll pay: Your savings depend on your income and family size. You can use ValuePenguin's subsidy calculator to help you estimate your monthly rate after discounts.
If you qualify for rate subsidies, you might also qualify for a discount that makes your medical care cheaper. This is called a cost-sharing reduction, and it's only available for Silver plans.
Cheap Iowa health insurance plans by city
Oscar sells the cheapest health insurance in Des Moines, with Silver plans costing as little as $458 per month.
The company also offers the cheapest medical insurance in many other major cities in Iowa, including Davenport, Sioux City and Ankeny.
In Cedar Rapids, however, Ambetter sells the cheapest Silver plan. Wellmark has the cheapest Silver plans in Iowa City and Ames.
Companies, plans and rates vary by county, so the cheapest Silver plan for you will depend on where you live in Iowa.
Cheapest health insurance plans by IA county
County | Cheapest plan | Monthly rates |
|---|---|---|
| Adair | Oscar Silver Classic Standard MercyOne | $501 |
| Adams | Oscar Silver Simple PCP Saver | $608 |
| Allamakee | Wellmark Silver Traditional HMO | $581 |
| Appanoose | Ambetter Health Standard Silver | $518 |
| Audubon | Ambetter Health Standard Silver | $563 |
Cheapest Silver plan with rates for a 40-year-old
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Best health insurance by level of coverage
The best health insurance for you depends on your monthly budget and how much medical care you need.
In general, you should try to match a plan's benefits to your health care needs. If you need more complex health care or go to the doctor often, look at Silver and Gold plans. If you are young, healthy and usually don't go to the doctor except for an annual physical, a Bronze plan could be a good option.
Gold plans: Best for complex medical needs
| Gold plans pay for about 80% of your medical care. |
Gold plans cost an average of $633 per month in Iowa.
Gold plans pay for the highest share of your medical bills, so they can be good if you need expensive treatments or take prescription medications. Gold plans often cost the most each month. But if you need frequent medical care, the high monthly cost is usually offset by how much a Gold plan pays toward your health care bills.
In Iowa, Gold plans aren't much more expensive than Silver plans, and you might even find a Gold plan that costs less than a Silver plan.
Silver plans: Best for average medical needs
| Silver plans pay for about 70% of your medical care. |
In Iowa, Silver plans cost $624 per month, on average.
Silver plans are a good option for most people because they balance coverage with monthly costs. In Iowa, however, Silver plans are only slightly cheaper than Gold plans on average, and some Silver plans are more expensive than Gold plans.
If you aren't sure how much coverage you need, it makes sense to compare both the Silver and Gold plan options available to you. If you have a low income, you might get a discount on a Silver plan that makes the coverage even better than a Gold plan.
Bronze plans: Best for few medical needs
| Bronze plans pay for about 60% of your medical care. |
Bronze plans cost an average of $451 per month in Iowa.
If you are young, generally healthy and don't go to the doctor often, a Bronze plan could be a good way to save money each month. But you should make sure you have savings to pay for high medical costs if you need expensive health care.
Bronze plans are the most popular plan tier in Iowa, although most people should at least consider a Silver plan for better coverage.
Catastrophic plans: Best as a last resort
Catastrophic plans cost $364 per month, on average, in Iowa.
Catastrophic plans pay the lowest amount of your medical bills, so you'll pay more yourself. A Catastrophic plan can be a decent option if it's all you can afford, but you should be prepared for high bills if something major happens, like an injury or severe illness.
To get a Catastrophic plan, you have to be under 30 or qualify for an exception. You also can't lower your monthly cost with a rate subsidy on Catastrophic plans.
Cheap or free health insurance in Iowa if you have a low income
If you can't afford to buy a health insurance plan, you might qualify for Medicaid. And if you can afford health insurance but still struggle to pay your medical bills, a Silver plan could be a good option because it can come with an extra discount.
Medicaid in Iowa
Medicaid is low-cost or free health insurance coverage for low-income adults, children, pregnant women, seniors and people with disabilities.
If you make less than about $22,000 per year as a single adult, or $44,000 per year as a family of four, you may qualify for Medicaid. Being on Medicaid can drastically reduce or eliminate your health care costs.
Use cost-sharing reductions for cheaper medical care
Silver is the only plan tier that is eligible for a type of discount that lowers what you pay for health care, called a cost-sharing reduction or CSR. These discounts give you lower deductibles, coinsurance and copays.
To qualify, you have to make between $15,650 and $39,125 per year as an individual or between $32,150 and $80,375 per year as a family of four. You may also qualify for a rate subsidy to lower your monthly rate. Even given cost-sharing reductions and rate subsidies offered with a Silver plan, you might be able to find a Gold plan that is cheaper and gives you the same or better coverage.
Are health insurance rates going up in Iowa in 2026?
Health insurance in Iowa costs 24% more in 2026 compared to 2025.
Bronze plans are the most popular plan tier in the state, and they went up by 19% between 2025 and 2026. This comes after two years of Bronze plans going down in Iowa.
Catastrophic plans have the biggest increase in 2026, rising by 34%. Silver plans are up 23% year-over-year. Silver plans cost 17% more in 2026 compared to five years ago. And Gold plans went up by 20% in 2026.
Catastrophic
Bronze
Silver
Gold
Year | Cost | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $321 | – |
| 2023 | $354 | 10% |
| 2024 | $279 | -21% |
| 2025 | $272 | -3% |
| 2026 | $364 | 34% |
Monthly costs are for a 40-year-old.
Catastrophic
Year | Cost | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $321 | – |
| 2023 | $354 | 10% |
| 2024 | $279 | -21% |
| 2025 | $272 | -3% |
| 2026 | $364 | 34% |
Monthly costs are for a 40-year-old.
Bronze
Year | Cost | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $413 | – |
| 2023 | $445 | 8% |
| 2024 | $410 | -8% |
| 2025 | $378 | -8% |
| 2026 | $451 | 19% |
Monthly costs are for a 40-year-old. Expanded Bronze plans are included in 2024, 2025 and 2026 averages, when they're offered.
Silver
Year | Cost | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $533 | – |
| 2023 | $552 | 4% |
| 2024 | $548 | -1% |
| 2025 | $507 | -8% |
| 2026 | $624 | 23% |
Monthly costs are for a 40-year-old.
Gold
Year | Cost | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $514 | – |
| 2023 | $551 | 7% |
| 2024 | $554 | 1% |
| 2025 | $526 | -5% |
| 2026 | $633 | 20% |
Monthly costs are for a 40-year-old.
Why is health insurance expensive in Iowa for 2026?
The high cost of health care, such as doctor appointments and treatments, is causing medical insurance rates to go up in 2026.
Because it's more expensive to get medical care, health insurance companies pay more when you go to the doctor or get medication. The extra costs add up when multiplied across hundreds of thousands or even millions of customers. To make up for it, medical insurance companies charge higher rates for everyone.
One of the main reasons medical insurance is getting more expensive is the high cost for GLP-1 weight-loss drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy. Because so many people are taking these medications, insurance companies end up paying a lot for all the prescriptions. Rates go up for everyone so that companies can afford to pay the high cost.
Rates are also going to be higher in 2026 because it's likely that discounts won't be as big as in past years. Since 2021, people with low incomes have gotten extra discounts called "enhanced subsidies." But those extra savings are set to expire at the end of the year. This means the discounts available in 2026 probably won't be as big, unless Congress extends the enhanced subsidies. So even if you get discounts in 2026, your rate will probably be higher.
How to prepare for 2026 rate increases
- Give yourself time to get quotes. Start shopping early so you have time to get quotes from other companies. Comparing your options lets you see if there's a cheaper plan that still fits your needs. Open enrollment starts Nov. 1, and you have to sign up by Dec. 15 to get coverage that starts on Jan. 1.
- Think about switching to a lower-tier plan. A lower-tier plan, like Bronze, will usually have a cheaper monthly rate than a higher-tier plan like Silver or Gold. However, the trade-off is that you have to pay more when you go to the doctor. To help account for that, you could open a health savings account (HSA), which is a new perk with Bronze plans in 2026.
- Check if you can get discounts. Even if the discounts on HealthCare.gov aren't as big in 2026, they could still save you money. If you have a low income, check to see if you qualify for savings.
- See if you can get Medicaid. You can get Medicaid in Iowa if you make less than about $22,000 per year as an individual or $44,000 per year as a family of four. If you can get Medicaid, most of your health care will likely be free or very cheap.
To buy Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans, also called "Obamacare" plans, in Iowa, you'll shop on HealthCare.gov. You can buy a plan between Nov. 1 and Jan. 15 each year, during what's called open enrollment. If you've recently moved, gotten married, had a baby or gone through another life change, you might qualify to get a plan outside of open enrollment.
When you buy a plan on HealthCare.gov, you won't pay more because of any preexisting conditions. In most states, your monthly rate will be based on six things.
- Your age
- The plan tier you choose
- The insurance company you pick
- Where you live
- How many people are on your plan
- Whether or not you smoke or use tobacco
To choose the right plan tier, think about how much you can afford to spend each month on a premium, as well as how much you can afford to spend when you go to the doctor. The lower-tier plans, Catastrophic and Bronze, are cheaper each month, but you have to pay significantly more of your medical costs yourself. The higher-tier plans, Silver and Gold, cost more each month but cover more of your medical bills so that you pay less.
No matter what plan tier you buy — Catastrophic, Bronze, Silver or Gold — you will have coverage for at least 10 common medical situations.
- Doctor visits
- Preventive and wellness care
- Emergency care
- Hospital stays
- Prescription medications
- Lab services
- Pregnancy and baby care
- Pediatric care
- Mental health care
- Rehab services
Average cost of health insurance by family size in Iowa
A family of four can expect to pay $1,995 per month, on average, for a Silver plan in Iowa.
It costs a flat rate of $374 per month to add a young child to a Silver plan. But after age 15, the rate increases every year.
Family size | Average monthly cost |
|---|---|
| Individual | $624 |
| Individual and child | $998 |
| Couple | $1,248 |
| Family of three | $1,622 |
| Family of four | $1,995 |
Averages based on a Silver plan for 40-year-old adults and children who are under age 15.
COBRA insurance in Iowa
In Iowa, COBRA costs $767 per month, on average, for a single person.
For a family, the average monthly rate for COBRA is $2,216. It's almost always cheaper to buy health insurance from HealthCare.gov if you need a plan between jobs. A Silver plan from HealthCare.gov costs $624 per month, on average, for a single person and between $1,622 and $2,369 for a family of three to five.
But COBRA might be a good option if you need specific coverage that your employer plan has but that an ACA plan does not.
COBRA lets you keep your health insurance for up to a year and a half after you leave your job. But because you're no longer an employee, your former company won't help pay the cost of your health insurance. You have to pay the full monthly rate yourself, which tends to make COBRA expensive.
Short-term health insurance in Iowa
In January 2025, the Trump administration reversed a new rule that would have limited the length of a short-term health policy to three months. Although the administration hasn't announced when this change will take effect, short-term health insurance could be available in Iowa for up to 364 days sometime in the coming year.
Short-term health insurance can be a good choice if you need coverage for a small window of time, such as between jobs. But these plans usually have worse coverage than marketplace health plans.
Pros of short-term health insurance in Iowa
Cons of short-term health insurance in Iowa
Health insurance enrollment by income level in Iowa
Almost half of Iowa residents with ACA plans make $30,120 or less per year.
This low-income population is much more vulnerable to rate increases and discount changes compared to people with higher incomes. When rates go up, people with low incomes are more likely to no longer be able to afford their health insurance.
Enrollment by income
Income | % of total enrollment |
|---|---|
| Less than $15,060 | 1% |
| $15,060 to $20,783 | 6% |
| $20,784 to $22,590 | 20% |
| $22,591 to $30,120 | 19% |
| $30,121 to $37,650 | 13% |
Enrollment in 2025 marketplace plans made during the 2024-2025 open enrollment period. Total may not be 100% due to rounding.
Frequently asked questions
How much is health insurance in Iowa per month?
A Silver plan costs an average of $624 per month for a 40-year-old in Iowa. Silver plans are a good option for most people. Gold plans cost $633 per month, on average, and pay for a bigger share of your medical bills. Bronze plans cost an average of $451 per month, while Catastrophic plans cost $364 per month, on average. In most cases, the cheaper the monthly rate, the more you will have to pay when you get medical care.
What is the best health insurance in Iowa?
Wellmark is the best health insurance company in IA because it has low average rates, high-quality plans and excellent customer satisfaction. You can only get health insurance from six companies on HealthCare.gov in Iowa, though, so it's a good idea to compare all your options.
Does Iowa have the Affordable Care Act?
Yes, if you live in Iowa, you can get Affordable Care Act plans, also called "Obamacare" plans, from HealthCare.gov. From the website, you can input your ZIP code to see the plans available in your area, fill out an application and see if you qualify for monthly rate discounts.
Is $200 a month expensive for health insurance in Iowa?
$200 per month for health insurance in Iowa is actually cheap. You'll usually only get a plan for $200 or less if you have a low income and you get discounts called subsidies. On average, a Silver health insurance plan costs $488 per month for a 21-year-old and $624 per month for a 40-year-old if you pay full price.
What do subsidies mean in health insurance?
Subsidies are discounts that make your monthly health insurance rate cheaper. You can only get subsidies if you shop on HealthCare.gov. It's likely that subsidies won't save you as much in 2026 as they have in previous years, and it's also possible that the entire subsidy program will be overhauled in the coming months.
Methodology
Iowa health insurance rate data for 2026 is from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) website. ValuePenguin used the CMS public use files (PUFs) to find average rates for different plan tiers, geographic locations and family sizes.
Rates
Rates are based on a 40-year-old with a Silver plan, unless otherwise noted. Rates for Bronze plans include regular and Expanded Bronze plans for 2024, 2025 and 2026, when the plans are available. Your costs and plan options will vary; plans aren't always available in all parts of a state or county.
Subsidies
Rates after subsidies are estimates for a 40-year-old with a Benchmark Silver plan and are based on how subsidies were structured before 2021. Prices are calculated using KFF's rates for full-price Benchmark plans, federal poverty levels (FPLs), IRS rules about premium tax credits and Congressional reports about expanded tax credits. The total cost in the state uses calculated rates by income, which are weighted using CMS data on the incomes of those who purchased plans during 2024-2025 open enrollment. The median was used for each income range. Unknown incomes were excluded from the calculations. Incomes of 100% of the federal poverty line and 500% of the federal poverty line were assumed for enrollees who earn less than 100% FPL and more than 500% FPL, respectively. Information about state subsidies, when available, was sourced from state marketplaces.
Ratings
ValuePenguin's experts rank companies based on cost, coverage options, customer satisfaction and unique value. Ratings are out of 100 possible points. ACA ratings show how the company performs in Iowa for medical care, member experience and plan administration. The 2026 plan quality data from CMS is based on data from the previous year. Ratings are not available for new plans or plans with low enrollment.
More sources
Enrollment trends, including plan selections by tier and enrollment by income, are from CMS data for the 2024-2025 open enrollment period.
Info about the causes for rate increases in Iowa is from the Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker. Other sources include KFF, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) and S&P Global Capital IQ.
Insurance Writer
Cate Deventer is a ValuePenguin writer who specializes in health insurance, Medicare, auto and home insurance. She's been a licensed insurance agent since 2011.
She started her insurance career working as a customer service agent for State Farm. She later moved to an independent agency, where she worked with several insurance companies and hundreds of clients. She quoted policies, filed claims and answered insurance questions. In 2021, she pivoted her career and began writing about insurance for Bankrate. She moved to ValuePenguin in 2023 and began writing about health insurance and Medicare.
Cate has a passion for helping readers choose insurance to fit their needs. She enjoys knowing that her research and knowledge help people choose insurance products that make a positive difference in their lives.
How insurance helped Cate
Cate used her health insurance knowledge to navigate a surgery in 2023. Understanding how her policy worked let her focus on recovery instead of worrying about bills.
Expertise
- Health insurance
- Medicare & Medicaid
- Auto insurance
- Home insurance
- Life insurance
Credentials
- Licensed Life, Accident & Health Insurance Agent
- Licensed Property & Casualty Insurance Agent
Referenced by
- CBS
- NBC
- Wall Street Journal
Education
- BA, Theatre, Purdue University
- BA, English, Indiana University
Editorial note: The content of this article is based on the author's opinions and recommendations alone. It has not been previewed, commissioned or otherwise endorsed by any of our network partners.
