Before subsidies, the benchmark silver plan for a 40-year-old in Story County cost about $533 a month for 2026, and the Iowa average for 2027 is $528 a month. Premium tax credits bring that down for many households, depending on income and family size. 2 insurers offered marketplace plans in Story County for 2026. Below you'll find how coverage works in Ames, the local agencies with the strongest reviews, and where to get free help.
Top-rated health insurance agencies near Ames
Licensed agents can compare plans available in Story County, check your doctors and estimate your premium tax credit. Free to you.
Call 866-645-8540Health insurance at a glance: Ames, IA
| Where to enroll | HealthCare.gov |
|---|---|
| Average benchmark silver, age 40 (2027) | $528/mo before subsidies |
| Story County benchmark (2026) | $533/mo |
| Plans offered in Story County (2026) | 16 |
| Plan types | EPO, HMO |
| Marketplace insurers in Iowa (2027) | 5 |
| Medicaid expansion | Yes |
| Short-term plans | Sold (not ACA-compliant) |
Sources: CMS plan data, KFF, state marketplace and insurance department pages.
How to get ready
- Ask each agent which carriers they can quote in your county.
- Compare total yearly cost (premiums plus deductible), not just the monthly premium.
- Make a list of your doctors, hospitals and prescriptions before you call anyone.
- Write down the enrollment deadline and confirm your first premium payment.
Free enrollment help in Iowa
HealthCare.gov Marketplace assisters: CMS-funded Navigator organizations plus Certified Application Counselors, who give free, impartial help applying and enrolling; consumers search for nearby help with the HealthCare.gov Find Local Help tool. You can search for in-person help on the official find-help page. If you'd rather have someone compare plans and recommend one, a licensed agent can do that at no cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get coverage outside open enrollment?
Only with a qualifying life event, unless you qualify for Iowa Health and Wellness Plan (IA Health Link). Some people also look at short-term or fixed-indemnity plans, which are not ACA-compliant coverage.
Where can I buy health insurance in Ames?
Through the HealthCare.gov, directly from an insurer, or with a licensed agent or broker who can do either.
Which insurers sell marketplace plans in Iowa?
For 2027, marketplace plans in Iowa come from 5 insurers: Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Oscar Health, UnitedHealthcare, Iowa Total Care (Ambetter) and Avera Health Plans. Not every insurer sells in every county.
Health insurance in nearby cities
- Nevada, IA 8 miles
- Boone, IA 13 miles
- Ankeny, IA 21 miles
- Johnston, IA 24 miles
- Bondurant, IA 24 miles
- Grimes, IA 26 miles
- Altoona, IA 27 miles
- Perry, IA 28 miles
- Urbandale, IA 28 miles
- Clive, IA 30 miles