A split of costs, not a quality rating
The metal level describes roughly how a plan divides costs between you and the insurer across a standard population. It says nothing about the quality of the doctors, the size of the network or how well the plan is run.
A Bronze plan is not a worse plan than a Gold one. It is a plan that charges you less each month and more when you use care.
| Level | Monthly premium | Your costs when you use care |
|---|---|---|
| Bronze | Lowest | Highest |
| Silver | Moderate | Moderate, and the only level eligible for cost sharing reductions |
| Gold | Higher | Lower |
| Platinum | Highest | Lowest |
Source: HealthCare.gov plan categories
Why Silver is not just the middle option
Cost sharing reductions are extra savings that lower your deductible, copays and out-of-pocket maximum. They are only available on Silver plans, and only to households below a certain income.
For a household that qualifies, a Silver plan with cost sharing reductions can have better cost sharing than a Gold plan while costing less per month. Someone who qualifies and buys Bronze to save on premium has given that up without being told.
Catastrophic plans and the subsidy
Catastrophic plans exist for people under 30 and for some with hardship exemptions. They have low premiums and very high deductibles, and premium tax credits cannot be applied to them.
For most subsidy-eligible people, a Bronze plan with the credit applied costs less than a catastrophic plan without it.
How to pick between them
Compare on the total you would pay across a year, not on the premium. Add twelve monthly premiums to a realistic estimate of your care, and look at the out-of-pocket maximum as the worst case.
If your income may make you eligible for cost sharing reductions, price Silver before anything else.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Bronze and Gold?
Bronze has the lowest monthly premium and the highest costs when you use care; Gold is the reverse. The metal level describes how costs are split, not the quality of the plan or its network.
Why do people say to buy Silver?
Because cost sharing reductions, which lower your deductible and copays, are only available on Silver plans and only to households below a certain income. If you qualify, Silver can give better cost sharing than Gold for less money.
Can I use my premium tax credit on any metal level?
Yes, on Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum. The credit is calculated from a Silver benchmark plan but you may apply it to any of those levels. It cannot be applied to a catastrophic plan.
Is a Bronze plan worth it if I am healthy?
It can be, if you can absorb the deductible in a bad year. Compare twelve months of premium plus realistic care costs against the same figures for Silver, and check whether cost sharing reductions would apply to you first.
Sources
This guide explains officially published rules and figures. It is not an insurance quote and not an eligibility determination. Only HealthCare.gov, Medicare.gov, Social Security or the carrier can determine your eligibility and your actual price.
Want this checked against your situation?
A guide explains the rules. Vivian checks what applies to you — your county, your doctors, your medications — in English or Spanish, at no cost to you.