The Health Insurance Marketplace offers four different categories (sometimes called “metal levels” or “tiers”) of coverage. These categories have metallic names: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. The categories aren’t ranked as “better” or “worse.” Instead, they show how costs are shared between you and your insurance company: paying less monthly for coverage, or paying less for each healthcare visit.
Health Plan Categories
Here is a breakdown of how the coverage categories are structured:
Bronze
This category offers the lowest premiums (the monthly cost you pay to keep your coverage active). The costs when you need services are the highest, and the deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses can be more than a few thousand dollars. Bronze plans are a good fit for individuals seeking coverage primarily for significant medical situations, such as unexpected illnesses, accidents, or injuries, rather than regular visits to the doctor.
Silver
This category offers moderate premiums and moderate costs when medical services are needed. Silver plans are ideal for those who qualify for cost-sharing reductions of the premium. More of your routine care is covered under a Silver plan than a Bronze plan.
Gold
This category requires higher premiums but offers considerably lower deductibles and costs when medical services are needed. Gold plans are well-suited for individuals who require regular medical care and prefer comprehensive coverage that takes care of a significant portion of treatment expenses.
Platinum
This category requires the highest premiums but offers the lowest deductibles, out-of-pocket expenses, and costs when medical services are needed. Platinum plans are a great choice for individuals with frequent or costly medical needs, as they offer extensive coverage with nearly all expenses taken care of by the policy.
All plans provide coverage for free preventative care and are available to anyone regardless of their medical status or pre-existing conditions.
Get Help Finding the Right Plan
Health insurance varies to suit individual needs, and that’s a good thing! If you’re uncertain about the right plan for your situation, don’t worry. We’re here to provide expert guidance on Marketplace health insurance plans. Contact us for assistance.
