What Are Metal Tiers?
ACA-compliant health insurance plans are organized into four tiers named after metals. Each tier represents a different balance between monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs. All tiers cover the same essential health benefits — the difference is how much you pay when you use care.
The Four Tiers Compared
- Bronze (60/40): Plan pays 60%, you pay 40%. Lowest premiums (~$200-$350/month before subsidies), highest deductible (~$7,000-$8,000). Best for healthy people who rarely use healthcare.
- Silver (70/30): Plan pays 70%, you pay 30%. Mid-range premiums and deductibles. Only tier eligible for cost-sharing reductions (lower-income enrollees get reduced deductibles and copays). Best value for most people.
- Gold (80/20): Plan pays 80%, you pay 20%. Higher premiums (~$400-$550/month), lower deductible (~$1,000-$1,500). Best for people who use healthcare regularly.
- Platinum (90/10): Plan pays 90%, you pay 10%. Highest premiums, lowest out-of-pocket costs. Not available in all areas. Best for people with high ongoing medical costs.
The Silver sweet spot: If your income is under 250% of the Federal Poverty Level (~$39,125 for an individual), a Silver plan is almost always the best choice. You get cost-sharing reductions that can drop your deductible to $200-$500 and your out-of-pocket max to $3,000. These reductions are only available on Silver plans.
Metal Tiers Apply to Both Marketplace and Private Plans
Metal tiers are part of the ACA framework. Both marketplace plans and private ACA-compliant plans purchased directly from carriers use the same tier system. The coverage levels are identical — the only difference is whether subsidies reduce your premium (marketplace only).
Catastrophic Plans
There's also a fifth option: Catastrophic plans for people under 30 or with a hardship exemption. Lowest premiums, highest deductible ($10,600), 3 free primary care visits, free preventive care. Not eligible for subsidies.
Related Terms
Last updated: March 30, 2026.
