Health insurance premiums are up 11.1% in Iowa, but there are steps residents can take which could lower costs collectively. Megan McKay Ziller is Vice President of McKay Insurance Agency in Knoxville. She says although rates don’t change based on an individual’s health or claims, rates could collectively go down if many people have less claims, eat healthier and exercise. Erikka C. Ter Louw, American Family Insurance agent, says there are several ways to lower health insurance premiums, including raising your deductible, which may never come into the equation until you are admitted to the hospital. Both McKay Ziller and Ter Louw say its important residents take time to talk with their insurance agents to find which policy is best for them.