Before subsidies, the benchmark silver plan for a 40-year-old in Polk County cost about $459 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. 4 insurers offered marketplace plans in Polk County for 2026. The rest of this page covers your coverage options in Des Moines, the best-reviewed local agencies and the deadlines that matter.
Top-rated health insurance agencies near Des Moines
Licensed agents can compare plans available in Polk County, check your doctors and estimate your premium tax credit. Free to you.
Call 866-645-8540Health insurance at a glance: Des Moines, IA
| Where to enroll | HealthCare.gov |
|---|---|
| Average benchmark silver, age 40 (2027) | $528/mo before subsidies |
| Polk County benchmark (2026) | $459/mo |
| Plans offered in Polk County (2026) | 58 |
| 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.
Local health care in Des Moines
- Des Moines plan shoppers should confirm network access to UnityPoint Health (Iowa Methodist Medical Center), MercyOne (MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center), and Broadlawns Medical Center, the county's public hospital. Source
- The Polk County Health Department is the public health agency serving Des Moines and the rest of Polk County. Source
Before you choose a plan, check that the hospitals and doctors you use are in its network. An agent can look that up for each plan you compare.
How to get ready
- Ask each agent which carriers they can quote in your county.
- Write down the enrollment deadline and confirm your first premium payment.
- Make a list of your doctors, hospitals and prescriptions before you call anyone.
- Compare total yearly cost (premiums plus deductible), not just the monthly premium.
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
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.
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.
How much is health insurance in Des Moines?
Before subsidies, the benchmark silver plan for a 40-year-old in Polk County cost about $459 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. 4 insurers offered marketplace plans in Polk County for 2026. A licensed agent can quote your exact price.
Health insurance in nearby cities
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