Every summer, insurers file their proposed rates for the next plan year with the Iowa Insurance Division (IID). When a proposed increase exceeds the federal benchmark, Iowa law (Iowa Code 505.19) requires a public hearing. The 2027 hearing was held August 20, 2026 in Des Moines. Here's what each insurer filed for Iowa's individual Marketplace, as posted on the IID rate increase page when we reviewed it October 13, 2026. Final approved rates can differ from filings; we'll update this page when the IID posts them.
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| Insurer | Average change | Range | Iowans covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wellmark Health Plan of Iowa | 4.4% | -2.6% to +10.8% | about 80,000 |
| Oscar Health | 11.94% | 4.63% to 28.17% | 11,971 |
| Iowa Total Care (Ambetter) | 16.84% | 9.39% to 21.75% | 6,982 |
| Avera Health Plans | 14.4% | 12.4% to 18.0% | 393 |
| UnitedHealthcare Plan of the River Valley | 10.35% | 8.79% to 11.87% | 546 |
| Medica | Leaving Iowa's individual market for 2027 (ACA Signups, July 13, 2026) | ||
Weighted across the whole market, Iowa's average increase is about 6.7%, the second lowest in the country behind Vermont (ACA Signups). For comparison, Iowa's 2026 increase averaged 15.3% (KCRG). Nationally, the median proposed 2027 increase across 276 Marketplace insurers is about 15%, the second straight year of double-digit increases (Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker).
What the averages hide
An average is not your rate. Wellmark's 4.4% covers a range from a decrease of 2.6% to an increase of 10.8% depending on the plan, your county and your age. Oscar's range runs to 28%. The only way to know your 2027 premium is to look at your specific plan's renewal notice, which arrives in October, and then compare it against everything else offered in your county. We do that comparison for free.
If you have a Medica plan
Medica is exiting Iowa's individual market for 2027. If you don't pick a new plan during Open Enrollment, HealthCare.gov will assign you to a replacement plan by its own formula, which may not include your doctors or your prescriptions. Call us in October, before the auto-assignment happens, and choose on purpose.
Why the increases
Insurers filing double-digit increases nationally cite the expiration of the enhanced premium tax credits at the end of 2025, a sicker risk pool as healthier people dropped coverage, and medical cost growth (Peterson-KFF). Iowa's lower number reflects Wellmark's size and its relatively flat filing. Small group is a different story: Avera filed 23.74% and UnitedHealthcare 23.01% for Iowa small employers. If you run a business, get quotes before your renewal, not at it.
Grandfathered Wellmark plans
Iowa is one of the few states where a sizable block of pre-ACA individual plans still exists. Wellmark filed 8.5% on about 17,700 grandfathered members. If you've held the same Wellmark plan since before 2014, you're likely in this group, and whether to stay is a real question we can walk through with you.
Sources
- Iowa Insurance Division, 2027 rate increase filings and August 20, 2026 public hearing page (reviewed October 13, 2026).
- ACA Signups, Iowa 2027 preliminary rate analysis, July 13, 2026 (weighted average, Medica exit).
- KCRG, Iowa 2026 average individual market increase of 15.3%.
- Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker, How much and why ACA Marketplace premiums are going up in 2027.