How do the four levels compare?
| Level | Plan pays on average | Premium | Deductible and copays | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bronze | About 60% | Lowest | Highest | Lowest premium of the four main levels. |
| Silver | About 70% | Moderate | In between | The only level that can come with extra cost-sharing savings. |
| Gold | About 80% | Higher | Lower | Costs more each month, less when you get care. |
| Platinum | About 90% | Highest | Lowest | Not offered in every area. |
These percentages are averages across all people on a plan, not what you will pay on a single bill. Your own costs depend on how much care you use and on the plan's deductible, copays and coinsurance.
What is a catastrophic plan?
Catastrophic plans are a fifth category. They are available to people under 30 and to people who qualify for a hardship or affordability exemption. They have low premiums and very high deductibles, and they mainly protect you from a large unexpected bill.
Why do many people choose silver?
If your income is low enough, silver is the only level where you can get cost-sharing reductions, which lower your deductible, copays and coinsurance. These reductions are for incomes roughly between 100% and 250% of the federal poverty level. Premium tax credits are also calculated from the benchmark silver plan in your area, although you can apply the credit to any metal level.
How should I choose a level?
Think about how much care you expect to use, how much you could pay at once if you had a surprise bill and how much you want to pay every month. Every marketplace plan has a yearly out-of-pocket maximum, which is capped by law at $12,000 for one person and $24,000 for a family in 2027. Check the network and the covered drugs too, because a cheap plan that does not include your doctor can cost more.
See our Individual & Family plans
Major medical coverage for you and your household, with subsidies applied where you qualify.Health plan comparison calculator: yearly cost of two plans
Enter two plans' premiums, deductibles and out of pocket maximums to see which costs less for the care you expect.
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