If you're shopping for health coverage through the Marketplace, you may have encountered terms like Bronze, Silver and Gold. That's because Individual and family plans through the Marketplace are categorized by metal levels or tiers.
Health plan metal levels indicate different health plan options based on cost and coverage. The metal levels have nothing to do with the quality of care you will receive.
Priority Health offers Bronze, Silver and Gold plans.
When balancing health coverage is your priority, helping you weigh your options is ours.
Bronze metal level
The Bronze metal level is an option where you pay the lowest monthly premiums, but the highest cost when you receive care. This would be a great choice for those who use few medical services but still want coverage. The Bronze plan deductibles can be very high which means you may have to pay a lot of money for health care costs yourself before your plan begins paying its part.
- Real-world example: Sarah has just graduated from college, and she wants a health plan that is affordable. She does not need a lot of health care services because she is fairly healthy and does not expect to have high medical service bills. She chooses a Bronze health plan where she will pay the lowest monthly premiums.
Silver metal level
The Silver metal level is an option where you pay moderate monthly premiums and moderate costs when you receive care. If you qualify for cost-sharing reductions, you can also save money by choosing a Silver plan. Silver plans are the most common choice of Marketplace shoppers.
- Real-world example: Jessica qualifies for a cost-sharing reduction, so she decides to go with a Silver health plan. She is able to save money by choosing a Silver plan because she will get the most value with her coverage. Jessica will pay moderate monthly premiums and moderate costs when receiving medical care.
Gold metal level
The Gold metal level is an option where you pay higher monthly premiums but lower costs when you receive care. This is a great choice for those who use a lot of medical services.
- Real-world example: Anthony is managing multiple health issues and will need a lot of medical services. He chooses a Gold health plan because it will lower the costs when receiving care. Anthony will need to pay higher monthly premiums for this plan option.
Platinum metal level
Some carriers on the Marketplace offer Platinum metal level plans. With a Platinum plan, you pay the highest monthly premiums but the lowest costs when you receive care. This plan could be great for those who are expecting to need a lot of health care. Priority Health doesn't offer Platinum plans.
- Real-world example: Erica is managing a severe health condition and expects to need a lot of health care services during the year. She decides to choose a Platinum health plan because even though she has the highest monthly premium this option will allow Erica to pay the lowest cost when receiving care.
Learn more
For help with choosing a plan that's right for you take our plan advisor quiz. Answer a few questions and then see which Individual and family health plan could be the right choice for you. We'll also give you the opportunity to sign up to get free information about Individual health coverage, important reminders about deadlines and how to apply and enroll for coverage.
Which metal is right for you?
Get a free quote and see if you qualify for additional savings.
Health coverage 101
- 5-step guide to shopping
- Take a quiz to find your plan
- OEP checklist
- How to compare health plans
- Final step for enrolling
- 5 health plan terms to know
- 6 Affordable Care Act key terms
- What's a high-deductible plan?
- Health coverage for gig workers
- Narrow Network plans
- Understanding metal levels
- Coverage for immigrants
- Medi-Share health cost-sharing
- How to save on health coverage
- Chronic condition coverage
- 5 must haves in a plan
- MyPriority plan benefits