Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum? Marketplace metal tiers explained
Metal tiers show how you and the plan split costs, not the quality of care. On average a Bronze plan pays about 60% of covered costs, Silver 70%, Gold 80% and Platinum 90%. Lower tiers usually have lower premiums and higher deductibles. If your income qualifies you for cost-sharing reductions, you only get them on a Silver plan. Since 2026, all Bronze and Catastrophic plans work with Health Savings Accounts.
Every Marketplace plan is sorted into a "metal level." All of them must cover the same 10 essential health benefits, including preventive care. What changes is how much you pay each month versus when you get care.
Metal tiers at a glance
| Tier | Plan pays (average) | You pay (average) | Deductible is generally |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bronze | 60% | 40% | High |
| Silver | 70% | 30% | Moderate |
| Silver with cost-sharing reductions | 73–94% | 6–27% | Low |
| Gold | 80% | 20% | Low |
| Platinum | 90% | 10% | Low |
Source: HealthCare.gov, Health plan categories. Percentages are averages across a standard population, not what you'll pay on any single bill.
The Silver-plan rule most people miss
If your income qualifies you for cost-sharing reductions ("extra savings"), you get them only if you enroll in a Silver plan. These lower your deductible, copays and out-of-pocket maximum. The Marketplace tells you whether you qualify when you apply. Separately, premium tax credits can be used on any metal tier (but not on Catastrophic plans).
Catastrophic: a fifth category
Catastrophic plans have low premiums and very high deductibles. They're available to people under 30 and to people who qualify for a hardship or affordability exemption. They cover the 10 essential health benefits, preventive care at no cost and at least 3 primary-care visits a year before the deductible. Read our catastrophic plan guide.
HSA compatibility changed in 2026
Under the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act, Bronze and Catastrophic plans available through an Exchange are treated as HSA-compatible starting January 1, 2026, even if they don't meet the traditional HDHP definition. HealthCare.gov now notes that all Bronze and Catastrophic plans work with HSAs. See HDHPs and HSAs.
How to pick a tier
- Rarely use care and want the lowest premium? Bronze (or Catastrophic, if eligible) keeps monthly costs down, but you'd pay more if you get sick. Make sure you could cover the deductible.
- Qualify for cost-sharing reductions? Compare Silver first. It can beat Gold on total cost.
- Expect regular care, ongoing prescriptions or a planned procedure? Gold or Platinum may cost less over the year despite higher premiums.
- Always run the numbers. Plug each plan into our total cost calculator for a low-use year and a worst-case year.
Frequently asked questions
Does a Gold plan mean better doctors than a Bronze plan?
No. HealthCare.gov notes the metal categories have nothing to do with quality of care. They reflect how costs are shared. Check each plan's network and quality star rating separately.
Can I use a premium tax credit on a Bronze plan?
Yes. If you qualify, premium tax credits can be applied to Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum plans. They can't be used for Catastrophic plans.
Why should I look at Silver if I have a low income?
Cost-sharing reductions, which lower deductibles and copays for eligible incomes, are only available on Silver plans.
Can I open an HSA with a Bronze plan?
Starting in 2026, yes: Bronze and Catastrophic plans available through a Marketplace are treated as HSA-compatible, as long as you meet the other HSA eligibility rules.
Do all metal tiers cover the same services?
Yes. All Marketplace plans must cover the same 10 essential health benefits, including preventive services. The difference is how much you pay when you use them.
Sources
- HealthCare.gov: Health plan categories (Bronze, Silver, Gold & Platinum) (accessed October 28, 2026)
- HealthCare.gov: Catastrophic health plans (accessed October 28, 2026)
- IRS: Guidance on new HSA benefits under the One, Big, Beautiful Bill (Notice 2026-05) (accessed October 28, 2026)
- HealthCare.gov: What Marketplace health insurance plans cover (accessed October 28, 2026)