Medicare plays a key role in providing health and financial security to beneficiaries residing in Iowa. With more than 633,900 Iowa beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare, we’ll cover some very important information below about Medicare in Iowa. We want to help you better understand your options and make the decision-process as seamless as possible once you’re ready to enroll in Medicare or discover different coverage options.
Iowa Medicare Advantage (Part C), Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Insurance and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Part D)
For more information on how you can save money on your out-of-pocket costs with a Part C, Part D, or Medigap plan, please click the plans below to learn more. Licensed agents can also answer any of your questions and help you find a plan that fits your needs, lifestyle, and budget by clicking here.
Iowa Medicare Enrollments
Original Medicare Plans (Part A and B)
Medicare Advantage & Other Health Plans
Stand-alone Medicare Part D (Drug Plans)
Total Medicare Beneficiaries in Iowa
Who Qualifies for Medicare in Iowa?
Medicare covers most Iowa residents who are 65 or older, and it also covers disabled Iowa residents. In general, Medicare enrollment in Iowa works the same way as it does in the rest of the country. If you qualify for Original Medicare, also known as Part A and Part B, it will help cover 80% of your health care costs.
When you’re first eligible for Medicare, you have a 7-month Initial Enrollment Period to sign up for Part A and/or Part B. If you’re eligible for Medicare when you turn 65, you can sign up during the 7-month period that:
- Begins 3 months before the month you turn 65
- Includes the month you turn 65
- Ends 3 months after the month you turn 65
In most cases, if you don’t sign up for Part B when you’re first eligible, you’ll have to pay a late enrollment penalty. You’ll be responsible for paying this penalty for as long as you have Part B, and you could have a gap in your health coverage.
Once you reach Medicare eligibility, you can begin choosing additional coverage options to help pay for the remaining 20% of your medical expenses through Medicare Advantage (Part C), Medigap, and/or a Medicare Prescription Drug (Part D) plan.
Local Medicare Health Plan Resources in Iowa
Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) – Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP): SHIIP advocates for, informs, educates, and assists consumers on Medicare and related health insurance issues so they can make informed decisions and access resources to address their needs. SHIIP also helps people of Medicare apply for assistance with their Part A and Part B premiums, copays and coinsurance, and prescription drug costs. SMP empowers and assists Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers to prevent, detect, and report healthcare fraud, errors, and abuse.
Contact: Call 800-351-4664The Iowa Department on Aging strives to improve the quality of life and care of older Iowans through advocacy, planning, policy development, and the administration and support of statewide programs and services that promote health, safety, and long-term independence. This “aging network” is designed to serve all Iowans who are 60 and older, with particular emphasis on populations demonstrating the greatest social or economic need. With projections for Iowa’s population aged 65+ to grow to constitute 19.9 percent of the state’s total population by 2050, the Department focuses on empowering older adults to maintain their independence and advocates on behalf of older Iowans to ensure their rights, safety, and overall well-being.
Contact: Call toll-free at 800-532-3213 or locally at 515-725-3333Aging Resources of Central Iowa is a senior-specific agency serving Boone, Dallas, Jasper, Madison, Marion, Polk, Story and Warren counties. Milestones Area Agency on Aging is committed to working with communities and community-based organizations to increase awareness for aging successfully with dignity and independence. They do this by implementing policy with public resources provided by the Federal Administration on Aging and the Iowa Department on Aging.
Contact: Call 515-255-1310 or 800-747-5352. The Information and Assistance hotline can be reached by calling 515-255-1310 or via email at info@agingresources.com.The Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging, or NEI3A, serves Allamakee, Black Hawk, Bremer, Buchanan, Butler, Chickasaw, Clayton, Delaware, Dubuque, Fayette, Grundy, Hardin, Howard, Jackson, Marshall, Poweshiek, Tama and Winneshiek counties. NEI3A coordinates services for individuals to help them maintain the independence they desire. Services they provide include option counseling, case management, meal programs, caregiver support, respite services, evidence-based health programs, advocacy, and recreation and education programs.
Contact: Call 800-779-8707 or complete a request for information form on the organization’s website.Elderbridge Agency on Aging serves 29 counties across North Central, Northwest, and Central Iowa. Elderbridge Agency on Aging is part of a national network designed to address the needs and concerns of older adults. Their mission is to advocate for and empower older adults, caregivers, and individuals with disabilities to pursue independent healthy lives.
Contact: Call Elderbridge at 800-243-0678 or 641-424-0678 for the Mason City office, 515-955-5244 for the Fort Dodge office, 712-792-3512 for the Caroll office or 712-262-1775 for the Spencer office.
The licensed agents that are partnered with Timefor65 can help you compare the availability, benefits, and costs of Medicare plans in your specific region of Iowa. Our process makes it easier for you to access your Medicare eligibility in Iowa so that you receive personalized, affordable, and easy-to-use coverage options and solutions. Fill out the form or give us a call at (866) 327‑0148 anytime to get a free quote or to ask any questions.