Below are comments received regarding Wellmark Health Plan of Iowa
Please reconsider an increase- my plan is getting to be ridiculous high and is the only one without a high deductible. It leaves few options for independent individuals needing insurance.
My name is Marilyn T. Rockwell City, Calhoun County, Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Gold premium. Mine was increased or almost $400 because we had a retirement plan from my husband that affected our income last year. I don't feel it's fair that I should have to pay those premiums all the time since we, it was a one time thing and I can't afford the increases anymore. I'm only me paying on that and I just feel that another increase is just more than I can handle. Thank you.
I strongly oppose the proposed 5% premium increase by Wellmark Health Plan of Iowa. Wellmark reported approximately $28.1 million in net income last year, to me that makes it difficult to justify placing yet another financial burden on my family and all other Iowa families using Wellmark. For many of us, another premium increase doesn't simply mean paying a little more, it means being priced out of health insurance altogether. At some point, increasing premiums becomes counterproductive. If I can no longer afford my health insurance, Wellmark doesnt receive any of my money. Keeping coverage affordable should be a priority, because pricing people out of the market helps no one. I urge the Iowa Insurance Division to reject this proposed increase and encourage Wellmark to focus on maintaining affordable coverage for the Iowans it serves.
Wellmark Health Plan of Iowa, Inc had a net profit of over $40 million in 2025. Their cash on hand increase by $2 million. The average increase for 2026 was 12.6%. The average increase for 2025 was 9.3%. The average increase for 2024 was 5.3%. That's an average increase of 27.2% in three years. I do not believe Wellmark Health Plan of Iowa, Inc., should increase our premiums another 5%. The tax law passed in 2025 has saved the company millions in taxes as well. Wellmark has been steadily increasing maximum out of pocket costs, deductibles, as well as removing copay for a number of services, which in effect increases the out-of-pocket costs for ACA individual insurance policies. If we have to "tighten our belts" Wellmark should as well!
A rate increase is passing the buck to the consumers who are beholden to these subpar plans. Thanks for offering us public comment, we may all protest but we know the outcome already.
This is the 2nd time this year I've been horrified by Wellmark insurance. They already changed all policies to exclude any services provided or testing required occuring in a dr office/urgent care. It no longer applies to copay but is excluded until you meet your deductible. If is my understanding from a previous complaint that this change was for all policies. For those of us paying 25% of our income to premiums(and that is a high deductible policy), and then a simple walk in clinic visit for a respiratory infection costs $400. I promise you I can't afford to go to the dr for anything simple. Thank God I no longer have children on this insurance because as a parent knowing that a visit for a cold might cost $400 out of pocket vs. feeling awful that my child is sick and I can't afford to do anything about it is heartbreaking. This insurance is now just a major medical benefit, that costs $1K per month. The amounts they have saved from every Iowan now needing to meet a high deductible before insurance pays anything - they certainly should not be asking for a premium increase as well!
I put a lot of effort into maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which includes investing a significant amount of money in healthy food, exercise, and mental/spiritual health. I am 58 years old and rarely go to the Doctor for illness. I see my Doctor once a year for my annual Wellness exam. I think it unfair to "subsidize" unhealthy individuals through EVER increasing health insurance premiums, and EVER shrinking health coverage, and therefore I oppose any increases in the health insurance premiums or any other cost increases associated with my health insurance plan.
I am not for the proposed increase on the premium rate for Wellmark insurance. Last year, an increase was given to users and along with health insurance, home owners', automotive, and property taxes also increased. This means the cost of living went up, with no increase in wages. It is known that people will drop health insurance before all the others due to cost vs income. This only means sicker patients at the hospitals, which will drive up health care costs, so if health insurance can be kept at a lower premium, then more people can afford it, which means more preventative/maintenance instead of very sick appointments.
I am writing to submit a public comment regarding the proposed increase in health insurance premium rates.
I understand that healthcare costs can change over time, but I am deeply concerned about yet another increase in premiums when health insurance is already becoming unaffordable for many individuals and families.
For many households, health insurance is one of the largest monthly expenses. Despite paying thousands of dollars each year in premiums, many people are also responsible for high deductibles, copays, and out-of-pocket costs before their insurance provides meaningful coverage. Increasing premiums even further places an even greater financial burden on families who are already working hard to make ends meet.
These increases are especially difficult to justify when many policyholders have seen little improvement in coverage or access to care. People should not have to choose between maintaining health insurance and meeting other essential financial obligations.
I respectfully ask that you carefully consider the impact these proposed rate increases will have on consumers and scrutinize whether they are truly necessary and reasonable. Affordable health insurance is essential, and continued premium increases only make it more difficult for families, retirees, and small business owners to obtain and maintain the coverage they need.
Thank you for considering my comments.
Sincerely a concerned Iowan,
Ruth
Please make sure the Insurance Commissioner denies any and all premium increase requests, specifically Wellmark Health Plan of Iowa's request. Health insurance stopped being affordable for many Iowans long ago. Any cost increase separates more Iowans from insurance which actually meets their needs.
When Wellmark ends 2025 with a $3.17 billion dollar surplus balance, I do not see their need to increase member rates. The stock market is expected to continue performing strongly, so investment income will be up, and Wellmark can use the market to their financial advantage, not their members. It doesn't look good when the government is getting a break while the rest of us are forced to cover the difference. This does not only impact me, personally, as a member, but many of my clients as well. Wellmark can do what the rest of America does: live in a more fiscally responsible manner. The average American earns $67k/year. Wellmark's CEO makes, on average, $895k/year, and that doesn't include bonuses, incentives or benefits. Maybe your CEO needs to take a pay cut if company performance requires rates increases.
I do not feel there should be a rate increase. I am self employed with a retired spouse and a child. I am currently covering all cost for medical and dental through my business. I already pay a high amount for insurance and if the rate increase occurs it will cause me to make some hard decisions. Insurance companies can already pick and choose what they will and will not cover so to increase their "profit margin" would be insane. You will be bleeding the working class of Iowa to poverty.
I already am struggling to afford healthcare in the country after my premiums increased about 1,000% this year, from 0 - 108 a month. I've heard this from dozens of friends, and some showing an even greater increase. Choosing to increase it even more is only showcasing the greed of these companies and it's no surprise that Iowa has some of the worst healthcare and highest cancer rates in the country, but please keep making it harder for people to live while major corporations walk away with even greater profits
I strongly oppose the premium hikes; it is ridiculous for one of the most profitable industries in the U.S. to complain about losses.
Please DO NOT increase rates! If you do, I will not be able to afford any insurance.
I am extremely against this rate increase. As it is, in order to afford ANY insurance I have to pay out a 15,000 deductible. So, I pay you a premium, yet pay out of pocket for everything. Does that even make sense? I am currently walking on broken bones in my feet because I can't afford an MRI. My doctor is begging me to get it done. But I live and work in pain because you always charge more but make real help in Healthcare out of reach for the average person. Quit paying the office people so much and pay the doctors that actually HELP people. You should be ashamed at your greed.
I am writing to respectfully oppose the proposed 6% base rate increase for my individual health insurance policy with Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield. I have maintained continuous health insurance coverage for many years, and it seems that my premiums increase nearly every year. While I understand that healthcare costs have risen over time, these annual increases continue to place a greater financial burden on responsible policyholders. I have worked hard to maintain a healthy lifestyle. I exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight, avoid smoking and drug use, and make conscious choices to take care of my health. I believe individuals who invest in preventive health and healthy living should be recognized rather than continually facing higher premiums. In my opinion, our current health insurance system does not adequately distinguish between individuals who consistently make healthy lifestyle choices and those whose health risks may be influenced by preventable behaviors. While I recognize that not all medical conditions are preventable and that many people develop illnesses through no fault of their own, I believe there should be greater consideration given to encouraging personal responsibility for health whenever possible. Other forms of insurance, such as life insurance, often consider an individual’s health history and lifestyle when determining premiums. I believe it is reasonable to explore whether health insurance could better reward those who demonstrate long-term healthy behaviors and participation in preventive care. Such an approach could encourage healthier lifestyles while helping to control healthcare costs over time. I respectfully ask the Iowa Insurance Division to carefully scrutinize this proposed rate increase and require clear justification that it is necessary and reasonable. Consumers who faithfully pay their premiums and actively work to stay healthy deserve thoughtful consideration before additional costs are imposed upon them. Thank you for your time and for considering my comments regarding this proposed rate increase.
My name is Heather K. I live in Spencer Iowa, calling about the proposed increase in base premium rates. I have Wellmark Health Plan of Iowa through the marketplace. I feel increasing the premium with this going to public hearing, does propose a financial burden for me. I'm on a fixed income. I'm trying to carry insurance on my own and for my daughter, and I just feel that our health care just continues to climb, and I totally understand why, but we have got to have a break for the working middle class, which I am, and I work two jobs the way it is, and I know it's important to have health insurance because I am in the health care field. I just feel we are owed a break, somewhere along the lines. Our health care is just so overpriced the way it is and for medications. If you have any other concerns or need to reach out to me, my telephone number is **********. Thank you.
I am a long time member of Wellmark, I would like to voice my concern about another premium increase. I already pay more than $1000 per month for premium and have a high deductible plan. Wellmark already made a significant change this year in no longer allowing in office proceedures/testing to go toward copay. I visited a walk in clinic this year for a respriratory infection, paid the visit copay, they had to fun some blood tests and imaging in order to diagnose. After the visit I learned that that testing no longer applied toward deductible so I had to pay out of pocket for the entire testing and owed more than $500. In total with prescription I paid $613 for an infection. I won't be doing that again. This insurance has already become more of a major medical policy with a cost of more than 10% of what I make a year, a premium increase would make it ineffective AND unaffordable.
Jean S…West Des Moines, Iowa, Polk County. I got this notice, but it's ripped up and I had to piece it together and I'm not sure why my mail is ripped up and then sent to me, and then I have to piece it together. I guess that's my question 1st of all, and then NO, of course I don't want to increase. I'm disabled. So, why would I want to pay more? You already increased it three times on me. This is ridiculous. Pretty soon I won't use health insurance at all, and you won't be able to force me to use health insurance if you're gonna continue this ****.
Yeah, my name is John M., and I've got insurance through Wellmark, my health insurance. When I started off over a year ago, I was at $248. They gave me an increase last year. My premium went to $298 and now they're saying another 5 %, which will put me about $315, which is a pretty good increase for the last two and a half years. I don't understand why all of a sudden I've gotta get hit with all these increases, but, I don't think it's fair at all to go from $248 to end up at $315 in two years. That's my concern. I hope you guys can do something about it. Thank you. Bye bye.
I am writing as a Wellmark member from Shelby County to ask that you carefully review Wellmark's request for a 10.5% premium increase.
My husband and I work hard, own a small business, and pay significant health insurance premiums. Like many Iowa families, we have seen the cost of nearly everything increase over the past several years. Health insurance premiums continue to rise while deductibles and out-of-pocket costs remain high.
What is especially frustrating is that, even while paying these increasing premiums, we have experienced denials for physician-prescribed medications and have had to spend considerable time appealing decisions. It is difficult to understand paying more each year while receiving less certainty that medically recommended treatments will be covered.
I recognize that health care costs change over time, but I respectfully ask that your office thoroughly review Wellmark's request and require strong evidence that this increase is truly necessary. Iowa families, farmers, retirees, and small business owners are already carrying a tremendous financial burden.
Please approve only the minimum increase that is justified after careful review.
Thank you for considering the concerns of Iowa consumers.
Because I am/was income eligible, in 2025, thanks to the subsidy tax credit, Wellmark received over $5000 in health premiums in my name. I did not have any medical claims in 2025. Where did that $$ get spent? In 2026, Wellmark has received over $6000 in premiums in my name from the government, and over $60 in premiums directly from me. I have had 2 claims, both of which resulted in outlays by Wellmark of less than $600 to physicians, radiologists, and physical therapists. In comparison, I have paid co-pays and deductibles over $350 out of my own pocket. Of the premiums received this year by Wellmark in excess of $13,500, they have paid out less than $600 to my physician and other medical care providers. It is only August, so I may have to see the doctor during cold&flu season. My question is, does all that remaining premium $$ held by Wellmark accrue interest for any future medical claims I may have? Whatever my "rating class" I am OPPOSED to any Base Premium Rate Increase because of the aforementioned facts I have related. I already pay premiums and out of pocket, I can't afford a higher premium, and I am a relatively healthy, non-risk taking individual. I support a National Healthcare plan for all.
I am writing to oppose the premium rate increase. We are already paying more since the tax subsidies have expired. Rate increases for 2025 was 8%, 2026 12.6% and now the proposal is 5.4%. So that would be 26% from 2025-2027, so 25% higher premium rates. The cost of living rate during that same time period is only 4.8%. With increased costs in groceries, gas and other costs people are going to avoid getting medical care to save money. Then they will get sicker and ultimately costs will be higher. We know that the cost of healthcare has gone up proportionally with the number of administrators. CEOs of insurance companies are making up to $40 million a year. While we don't know what the Wellmark CEO salary is as it's a private company, I'm sure it also multi millions. There is no reason CEO's should be making millions more while the insured are going bankrupt. I think Wellmark needs to share its budget and salaries so we can know precisely where this money is going. If they want us to pay more premiums, then high level administrators should not get raises and should even take pay cuts.
I respectfully request the increase as requested by Wellmark be denied. As a self-employed individual, I already pay over $1000 per month for my premium for a high deductible plan for a family of 3. Our deductible is $15,000 with an out of pocket max of $20,000. So I would incur at least $44,000 between premiums and medical bills to fully receive the benefits of my plan. We selected Wellmark because our doctor was in network. This increase, if approved, will certainly make me reconsider our insurance coverage next year - and I think that may be the choice of many other Wellmark insureds based on the comments I have seen. Please deny the request. We already have inflated insurance premiums. Wellmark and many other companies need to find a solution that doesn’t continue to burden their insureds.
I am writing to express my opposition to Wellmark Health Plan of Iowa’s proposed 5% increase in base premium rates for 2027. Health insurance premiums have risen steadily over the past several years, while wage and income growth for many Iowa families has failed to keep pace. A 5% increase may appear modest on paper, but for working families, retirees living on fixed incomes, small business owners, and individuals purchasing coverage on their own, another increase represents a significant financial burden. As health insurance becomes less affordable, many Iowans will be forced to make difficult choices. Some will drop coverage altogether because they can no longer afford the premiums. Others will keep their insurance but delay or forgo necessary medical care due to higher overall health care costs. Preventive services, prescription medications, and routine physician visits are often the first expenses people cut when health care becomes unaffordable. These decisions can lead to worsening health conditions, higher long-term medical costs, and increased uncompensated care throughout Iowa’s health care system. Affordability is essential to maintaining a healthy and insured population. Continued premium increases risk shrinking the number of insured Iowans and undermining the purpose of health insurance—to provide accessible, affordable care when it is needed. I also encourage the Division to carefully examine whether this proposed increase is fully justified by actual medical cost trends and administrative expenses. Consumers deserve transparency regarding the factors driving premium increases and assurance that every reasonable effort has been made to control costs before those costs are passed on to policyholders. Many Iowa households continue to face higher costs for housing, food, utilities, child care, and other everyday necessities. Adding another health insurance premium increase compounds these financial pressures and places quality health coverage further out of reach for many families. For these reasons, I respectfully urge the Iowa Insurance Division to reject or substantially reduce Wellmark’s proposed 5% premium rate increase for 2027 unless the company clearly demonstrates that the increase is necessary, reasonable, and in the best interests of Iowa consumers. Thank you for considering my comments and for your commitment to protecting Iowa consumers by ensuring that health insurance remains both fair and affordable.
We do not want an increase in healthcare premiums just to satisfy your corporate greed. Because of cuts we have already seen an increase of 100-300% in premium costs this past year.
A 5% increase is unfair and unreasonable. The monthly rate is already nearly a quarter of my monthly paycheck and the cost of co-pays, deductibles, and coinsurance means that I always have health related debts to pay for my daughter's autoimmune disease treatments. Going without insurance is not an option for her, and it's unacceptable that the rates continue to increase so much every year. That monthly rate should be being used as a savings account toward our bills, not just disappearing into the ether never to be seen again.
No, I do not think that increase is, should be possible. We are debating whether we need to pay for insurance or pay for food. This is absolutely ridiculous. This increase needs to stop every year.
I am writing as a concerned policyholder to respectfully urge your office to reject, or at a minimum, carefully scrutinize any proposed increase in health insurance premiums.
Health insurance is essential, yet it is becoming increasingly difficult for individuals and families to afford. Countless households across the state are struggling with the rising costs of EVERYTHING. Our son was recently in the ER for a minor injury, requiring stitches. We were in the hospital for close to 45 minutes. Our bill was almost $1500; our Wellmark BC/BS only paid for a small portion, leaving us with a balance of over $900. This is not feasible when we are paying thousands of dollars a year for our premiums for our family of 4- premiums that have continued to rise every year! Do we keep our kids in a bubble because insurance companies continue to make this harder and harder on the consumers? Many families are living paycheck to paycheck, and some are forced to make impossible choices between paying for healthcare and feeding their family. We, as a family, are contemplating dropping our health insurance and using an HSA with emergency insurance only as a means to help our financial situation in this economy. And we are all healthy!
At the same time, many consumers see reports of large health insurance companies generating substantial wealth and significant profits. At the cost of who? This creates a growing perception that while working families continue to bear the increasing financial burdens, insurers continue to thrive. Before any additional costs are passed on to policyholders, I urge your office to ensure that insurers have fully demonstrated that a rate increase is truly necessary and that every reasonable effort has been made to control administrative costs and improve efficiency. What is going to happen when we can no longer afford this? Is it too much to ask Wellmark to absorb this 6.6% "medical trend" increase?
Many policyholders have already experienced increasing deductibles (we had to do this when we renewed just to lower our premiums a little bit), copayments, and out-of-pocket expenses while continuing to pay higher premiums year after year. And WE ARE HEALTHY PEOPLE WHO ONLY SEE A PHYSICIAN TO HAVE YEARLY PHYSICALS! Consumers should not be expected to shoulder yet another increase.
I respectfully ask your office to hold insurers to the highest standard of accountability during the rate review process. Please require any insurer seeking a premium increase to provide detailed financial justification and demonstrate why this increase is fair to the consumers who depend on affordable coverage.
Excessive premium increases can force families to reduce coverage (we just had this discussion in our home), postpone necessary medical care, or drop coverage altogether. Your office has an important responsibility to protect consumers from unnecessary rate increases, and I respectfully ask that you exercise that authority with the interests of Iowa families in the forefront.
Thank you for your service and your commitment to protecting consumers. I appreciate your consideration of our comments and respectfully ask that you deny any proposed increase that cannot clearly be justified.
I'm writing to stop the Wellmark price increase as of right now with interest rates that are high food prices that are through the roof water bill and gas and electric bill are higher I thinks it's wrong to increase increase our premiums for any reason. Right now I have insurance with Wellmark through the affordable health care program. I can barely afford that. $200 a month taken out for taxes and $251 bill from Wellmark and my insurance isn't all that great! The price of everything is high. I am slowly depleting my fund with bills, vehicle insurance which has also increased, food prices and gas prices are through the roof. As I said I am depleting my funds. If I can't afford it due to the increase am I going to have to start donating my organs? I'm not kidding. This needs to stop!
I am already paying $900 per month as a 64-year-old female with no prescription drug costs and no significant ongoing health conditions.
- What evidence shows that a 5% increase is necessary?
- Has the insurer demonstrated that it is providing adequate access to specialists throughout Iowa?
- How does the state ensure consumers receive value for the premiums they are already paying?
- What steps has the insurer taken to control costs other than increasing premiums?
I used to work in insurance, cut out the commissions to agents or reduce the amount they are receiving.
- I believe my premium is already high relative to the benefits I receive.
- I needed an oral surgeon to evaluate and remove oral lesions; my dentist referred me to an oral surgeon in in Ankeny because that was the nearest practical provider.
- The insurer denied the claim, stating that the closest in-network oral surgeon was in Fort Dodge, about two hours away. You can argue that requiring a four-hour round trip for specialty care is not reasonable or accessible. It cost me 1700.00 dollars. I wrote a complaint to the company in March and it is still under review. I want them to justify why I would go to Fort Dodge when I live in Altoona Iowa.
- If the insurer's network does not provide reasonable geographic access to specialists, consumers should not bear the financial burden.
- Before approving a premium increase, the state should examine whether the insurer is meeting its obligations to provide adequate provider networks and meaningful access to covered services.
- Consumers should not be asked to pay higher premiums while experiencing claim denials and limited access to specialist.
I think the insurance companies are only in to make a profit. Wellmark is not a great company to have ones' insurance through. Please really weigh out the facts, Consumers are suffering. thank you
I am a hard working agriculture worker with not much money. I cannot afford a health insurance premium increase! Everything else is going down and the premium is going up. I guess our family will be going without. Nothing new your big business is getting richer and we suffer! I hope you people rot in hell for what you’re doing!!!
Yeah, this is Trent W…from West Branch, Iowa, Cedar County is the county I live in. I have [Wellmark] Blue Cross Blue Shield. I paid $240.63 a month. That's way too much. It's beyond my means. So if you raise it again, I'm gonna have to find somebody different. Somebody a lot cheaper because I can hardly afford my bills the way it is. My medication went up. This increase has gotta stop, bye.
My name is Elizabeth and I live in Burlington, Iowa. I am a consumer of Wellmark's health insurance, and my current monthly bill is $832.73. This policy is just for myself, a relatively healthy 60+ woman. I work part time to pay for this insurance plan and most months, I just cover it without having to use money from a savings account. The proposed 5% hike in rates will definitely place an even steeper burden on my finances. I would ask that any consideration on the part of the state of Iowa to grant a 5% increase in rates include a request for proof from Wellmark about any other measures they could employ rather than rate increases. For example, has Wellmark considered a freeze on any corporate-level bonuses, a freeze on Wellmark employee salary increases or a moratorium on shareholder dividends? As millions of Americans struggle to keep "affordable healthcare", I don't believe that Wellmark as a company should enjoy salary increases or bonuses when the people paying into their system haven't received any cost of living increases or relief from inflation. I understand why Wellmark wants more money, the cost of everything is going up. But I would ask that the state recognize the fact that MY expenses have also risen AND that I have to make sacrifices to continue to pay Wellmark. I just want to make sure that Wellmark has also made some sacrifices. I do not feel this is an unreasonable expectation, and I would certainly expect the state of Iowa to speak on behalf of their residents.
While public feedback on the rate filing naturally focuses on premium affordability, regulators must recognize that premiums are a lagging indicator of a deeper structural crisis: the unchecked pricing leverage of a highly consolidated provider market.
Under federal Medical Loss Ratio laws, health insurers are mandated to spend 80% to 85% of premium dollars directly on medical claims. Therefore, commercial premium spikes are a direct mathematical reflection of skyrocketing provider-driven inflation across the state of Iowa.
If the Iowa Insurance Division wishes to protect consumers from ongoing premium volatility, it must address the core supplier-side drivers of these increases and the systemic risk they pose to market stability:
Unchecked Regional Provider Consolidation: Aggressive horizontal and vertical consolidation has systematically dismantled free-market competition in Iowa. Recent regulatory approvals of mega-mergers (such as: University of Iowa Health Care absorbing Mercy Iowa City, and MercyOne acquiring Genesis Health System) have created massive regional monopolies and duopolies. These conglomerate systems leverage their dominant market share during contract negotiations to dictate double-digit rate hikes to health plans, leaving insurers with little to no leverage to negotiate lower costs for consumers.
Exploitation of the "Facility Fee": This consolidation has accelerated a highly inflationary billing practices where large health systems absorb independent physician clinics and reclassify standard outpatient care under a Hospital Outpatient Department designation. Because Iowa law fails to cap or restrict provider-based billing, a patient visiting the exact same building for the exact same service is suddenly hit with massive, arbitrary "hospital facility fee" Additionally, historical rigidity within Iowa’s Certificate of Need framework has protected dominant systems from lower-cost, independent freestanding alternatives, trapping consumers in these high-cost health systems.
The Systematic Squeeze on Rural Networks and Mental Health: While dominant health systems secure high commercial reimbursement tiers through aggressive contracting, Iowa’s independent and behavioral health providers are severely squeezed by stagnant residual rates. Iowa consistently ranks near the bottom of the nation in psychiatric bed availability and mental health workforce retention. When independent mental health practices are forced into insolvency or a cash-only model by this market imbalance, it decimates local care in rural communities. This forces patients in crisis into high-cost hospital emergency rooms for basic stabilization, drastically driving up the total cost of care for the entire commercial risk pool.
The Downstream Effects - Carrier Market Exits and Diminishing Choice: When underlying provider costs drive premiums past the threshold of consumer affordability, it triggers an unsustainable market dynamic. Persistent rate increases combined with justified member dissatisfaction create an environment where health insurance carriers can no longer maintain a viable, stable risk pool. Left with no structural leverage to control costs, carriers will inevitably choose to exit the Iowa market entirely to limit financial exposure. We are already seeing the immediate consequences of this destabilization with Medica’s announced exit from Iowa's ACA individual marketplace for 2027. If this trajectory continues, Iowans will face a severely diminished landscape with fewer insurance choices, destroying competitive pressure among payers and granting consolidated hospital conglomerates absolute monopoly power over healthcare access.
An Actionable Regulatory Path Forward:
The IID is not powerless to act against these anticompetitive supply-side pressures. Under Iowa Administrative Code rule 191-34.6 ("Participating hospital contracts"), the Insurance Commissioner possesses explicit authority to review and approve participating hospital contract prototypes, mandating that they must be "fair, reasonable, and in the public interest" and include "control mechanisms on unnecessary utilization."
The IID should immediately deploy this authority to reject any hospital contract prototype containing anticompetitive "all-or-nothing" clauses (which force health plans to include every high-cost facility in a system's footprint) or "anti-steering/anti-tiering" restrictions (which legally block insurers from financially rewarding patients who choose lower-cost, independent providers).
Capping premium growth without curbing provider pricing power is mathematically impossible. The IID must look past the symptom (PREMIUMS) And actively regulate the anti-competitive contracting practices of dominant health systems to restore true economic balance and choice to Iowa's healthcare market.
Iowa Starting Line (YouTube.com/shorts/AAw8ZsXtQxM) provides broader local context on how funding shifts and structural strains are currently squeezing local clinics and emergency care systems across Iowa.
My name is Olivia and I live in Des Moines, Iowa. I have the Wellmark Health plan of Iowa. I am college educated and have a steady job making $40,000 a year. I work hard to budget and save money but I am living paycheck to paycheck in part because of the outrageous cost of health insurance. I currently pay over $400 for health expenses monthly, including my premium and prescriptions. That is nearly a third of a paycheck. If I get two paychecks a month, that’s nearly a sixth of my income on just the premium and prescriptions that I have to take to stay healthy. Raising my premium, especially by a proposed 5%, would have an impact on my already tight budget. I have already avoided necessary appointments to save money, and I must continue to do so. A high deductible and ridiculous premiums forces me to consider if it might be smarter to forgo health insurance altogether. If my experience well above the poverty line is already this difficult, what about the Iowans who may not have steady employment, or those who do not have resources like a supportive family? I am highly concerned that raising premiums will leave more Iowans behind and directly lead to worse health outcomes for the state. The purpose of insurance should be to make sure people can afford healthcare, and not for companies to turn a profit. Affordability is already such a huge barrier to care, and increasing rates can only cause harm.
I paid insurance for myself and my son in 2025 - $1,111 per month. In 2026 I'm paying $1,259 per month. And now Wellmark wants another increase! I can't afford it. Life is getting more and more expensive in Iowa. Iowa government is not protecting us against farmers poisoning the farmlands and food supplies, and Iowa Government is not protecting us when we get sick. Isn't it time to start protecting Americans? Isn't it time to stop increasing medical insurances premiums, co-payments, deductibles? Please - do not increase our medical insurance premiums.
I am paying over $900 per month for a high deductible plan. I recently had a minor procedure and had to pay over $3000 out of pocket. The high cost of medical insurance is putting a strain on my retirement income. Enough is enough.
My name is Deborah...I'm from Earlville Iowa. I am against this raise in the rates. I have the Wellmark Health Plan of Iowa, and I have a hard time being…and then when I go to the hospital, I have such a high deductible that I can't afford to get things done. So, my take on this is please do not increase the base rate because that will increase everything else. A lot of people are worse off than me, and this would really hurt. Thank you for your time. Goodbye.
I am writing to respectfully ask that you carefully review Wellmark's request for a 10.5% premium increase.
My wife and I are members of Wellmark Health Plan of Iowa. As a lifelong Iowan, small business owner, and Wellmark policyholder, I understand that health care costs change over time. However, families and small businesses across Iowa are already facing rising costs in nearly every aspect of life. Another substantial increase in health insurance premiums places an even greater burden on those of us who are working hard to provide coverage for ourselves and our families.
What makes these increases especially difficult is that many policyholders continue to experience challenges obtaining coverage for treatments and medications that their physicians believe are medically necessary. My family has experienced firsthand the frustration of appealing coverage decisions while continuing to pay increasing premiums year after year. It is discouraging to pay more while feeling uncertain whether recommended care will be covered when it is needed.
As a small business owner, I also see the impact that rising insurance costs have on businesses that want to provide quality benefits while remaining financially responsible. Every increase forces difficult decisions for employers and families alike.
I respectfully ask that your office thoroughly evaluate Wellmark's filing and require clear evidence that a 10.5% increase is truly justified. Iowa consumers deserve transparency and confidence that any rate increase approved is no greater than necessary.
Thank you for your service to the people of Iowa and for taking the time to consider the concerns of policyholders like me.
I am writing as a Wellmark policyholder covered under my family's health insurance plan and as someone preparing to be married this coming January. As I prepare for this next chapter of life, I am becoming increasingly aware of the financial responsibilities that come with starting a family. Health insurance is one of the largest and most important expenses young couples face, and another premium increase only adds to that burden.
I understand that insurance companies must respond to changing health care costs, but I also believe consumers deserve confidence that any increase is fully justified. Families should not have to worry about paying more each year while still facing uncertainty about whether medically necessary treatments will be covered.
Please carefully review Wellmark's request and approve only the increase that is supported by the evidence.
Thank you for considering my comments.
I am currently a student at Iowa State University and am covered under my family's Wellmark health insurance policy. As I prepare to begin my career after college, I know that affordable health insurance will become an important part of my financial future. Young adults entering the workforce already face rising costs for housing, transportation, and everyday living expenses. Continued increases in health insurance premiums make that transition even more challenging.
I appreciate that health care costs are complex, but I respectfully ask that your office ensure any premium increase is carefully reviewed and no larger than necessary. Iowa's young adults deserve the opportunity to begin their careers without facing unnecessary financial burdens.
Thank you for taking the concerns of Iowa families into consideration.
I am writing as a young Iowa adult and Wellmark policyholder covered under my family's health insurance plan. As my wife and I begin building our future together, the affordability of health insurance is something we think about often. Like many young couples, we are working hard to establish ourselves financially while planning for the future. Rising health insurance premiums make those goals more difficult to achieve.
While I understand that health care costs change over time, I hope any premium increase is approved only after careful review and only if it is truly necessary. My family has also experienced the frustration of dealing with coverage decisions for physician-recommended treatments while continuing to pay increasing premiums. Those experiences make it difficult to understand why another significant increase is being requested.
I respectfully ask that your office carefully examine Wellmark's request and ensure that Iowa consumers are receiving fair value for the premiums they pay.
Thank you for your time and your service to the people of Iowa.
I recently graduated from college and am preparing to become a self-employed entrepreneur in Iowa. I am currently covered under my family's Wellmark health insurance policy, but I know I will soon be responsible for purchasing my own health insurance. As someone preparing to start a business, every expense matters. Health insurance is essential, but it also represents one of the largest costs many self-employed individuals face. Significant premium increases make it more difficult for young entrepreneurs to invest in their businesses while maintaining quality health coverage.
I understand that insurance companies must remain financially sound, but I respectfully ask that your office carefully evaluate Wellmark's request and approve only the increase that is truly necessary. Affordable health insurance helps encourage young Iowans to stay in our state, build businesses, and contribute to our communities.
Thank you for your thoughtful consideration.
The base premium is high enough, cut your base not mine!
Thank you for taking the time to read this. While I understand costs have gone up the amount of increase that I have incurred during my time has been 635% and now you are proposing another 10.5%. The proposal is also over three times the normal cost of living increases that we are seeing in my area. This is not sustainable, I have literally went from being able to provide to wondering how we are going to be able to keep paying for medical insurance. I also understand that the insurance industry is a business and that they need to make money but when I reading reports of billion dollar profits per quarter I have to ask when is enough, enough? Mind you this is just what is actually being reported and this is after they have either paid or fought paying any claims. Also it would be nice for insurance companies to explore more alternative options for different treatments as the ones offered to us here in the states are not the best. There are more natural and holistic options that work better than just taking another pill, chemo, or radiation as a treatment option but yet because they work insurance companies will not cover the treatment for it. We need the higher ups at the insurance companies to stop looking at their wallets and instead have a heart for people and actually making them better.
Please do not increase medical insurance premiums. Us regular families are already so strapped and paying for basic medical insurance shouldn’t be a luxury.
Iowans are already struggling to make ends meet. Raising health insurance prices only increase the likelihood that less Iowans will be able afford it and increase Iowa’s health crisis as they won’t have as much access to preventative care. Do not raise the base premium rate.