Which metal level generally has the lowest premium but highest cost-sharing?

Which metal level generally has the lowest premium but highest cost-sharing?

• A. Bronze
• B. Silver
• C. Gold
• D. Platinum

Answer: (A)

In marketplace plan design, metal levels show how much of your medical costs the plan covers versus what you pay yourself. Bronze plans typically cover about 60% of average costs, Silver around 70%, Gold about 80%, and Platinum roughly 90%. Because Bronze plans pay the smallest share of costs, they tend to have the lowest monthly premiums, but you incur higher out-of-pocket costs when you need care. That combination—lowest premium with the highest cost-sharing—is why Bronze is the best fit for someone prioritizing paying less each month but able to absorb more costs if they need care. Platinum would be the opposite, with the highest premium and the lowest cost-sharing.

In marketplace plan design, metal levels show how much of your medical costs the plan covers versus what you pay yourself. Bronze plans typically cover about 60% of average costs, Silver around 70%, Gold about 80%, and Platinum roughly 90%. Because Bronze plans pay the smallest share of costs, they tend to have the lowest monthly premiums, but you incur higher out-of-pocket costs when you need care. That combination—lowest premium with the highest cost-sharing—is why Bronze is the best fit for someone prioritizing paying less each month but able to absorb more costs if they need care. Platinum would be the opposite, with the highest premium and the lowest cost-sharing.