When you shop for health insurance on the marketplace, plans are grouped into metal tiers: Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum. The tiers have nothing to do with the quality of care. They tell you how you and your insurer split the costs. Here is how each tier works and how to choose.
How the metal tiers work
Each tier is designed to cover a set share of average medical costs. The rest comes from you through deductibles, copays and coinsurance.
| Tier | Plan pays, on average | You pay, on average | Monthly premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bronze | About 60% | About 40% | Lowest |
| Silver | About 70% | About 30% | Moderate |
| Gold | About 80% | About 20% | Higher |
| Platinum | About 90% | About 10% | Highest |
These are averages across all members. What you actually pay depends on the care you use.
Bronze: low premium, high costs when you need care
Bronze is often the cheapest plan each month, but you pay more when you see a doctor or go to the hospital. It can suit people who are healthy and want protection from very large bills. Starting in 2026, Bronze plans can also be paired with a Health Savings Account, which lets you save for medical costs tax-free.
Silver: the middle ground, with a bonus for some
Silver plans balance premiums and out-of-pocket costs. They also have one big advantage: if your income is on the lower side, you may qualify for cost-sharing reductions, which lower your deductible and copays. These savings are only available on Silver plans.
Gold and Platinum: pay more monthly, less at the doctor
Gold and Platinum plans have higher premiums but lower costs each time you get care. They can make sense if you see doctors often, take regular medication, or are planning a surgery or a baby. Platinum plans are not offered in every area.
Know your worst case
Every marketplace plan has an out-of-pocket maximum: the most you would pay for covered in-network care in a year. For 2027, the limit is $12,000 for an individual and $24,000 for a family. Many plans set their maximum lower, so compare this number when you shop.
How to choose
- Estimate how much care you will use next year, including regular prescriptions.
- Add up the total yearly cost of each plan: 12 months of premiums plus your likely out-of-pocket costs.
- Check whether you qualify for cost-sharing reductions. If you do, look closely at Silver plans.
- Confirm your doctors and drugs are covered by the plan's network and drug list.
The bottom line
The cheapest premium is not always the cheapest plan. Pick the tier that matches how much care you expect to need, and compare plans on their total cost for the year.
This article is for general information only and is not financial or insurance advice. Plan options vary by state.