Health Insurance

Bronze Plans:

Bronze plans are the lowest tier of plans offered by the ACA. These plans typically have the lowest premiums and offer the least coverage of the four categories, but also feature the highest overall out-of-pocket costs to individuals. Those who complete an annual income tax return may qualify for a premium tax credit, which reduces monthly costs and increases the coverage received.

• Lowest premiums
• Highest deductibles and out-of-pocket costs

Silver Plans:

Silver plans are a slightly higher tier than Bronze plans. These plans typically have higher premiums than Bronze plans, but also offer more coverage with lower overall out-of-pocket costs. Like Bronze plans, individuals and families may qualify for a premium tax credit to reduce their monthly payments.

• Middle range of premiums
• Lower deductibles and out-of-pocket costs than Bronze plans

Gold Plans:

Gold plans are the second highest tier of plans offered by the ACA. These plans typically have even higher premiums than Bronze and Silver plans, but with an even greater level of coverage. Gold plans also feature the lowest out-of-pocket costs of the four plan categories.

• Higher premiums
• Lower deductibles and out-of-pocket costs than Silver plans

Platinum Plans:

Platinum plans are the highest tier of plans offered under the ACA. These plans have the highest premiums of the four categories but with the highest level of coverage offered and the lowest out-of-pocket costs.

• Highest premiums
• Lowest deductibles and out-of-pocket costs

If you don’t qualify for ACA subsidies or need temporary coverage, private health insurance or short-term plans may be a better fit. These plans provide:

✅ Flexible coverage options

✅ Lower premiums (depending on the plan)

✅ Quick enrollment for immediate coverage

To get ACA coverage, you must enroll during the Open Enrollment Period, which typically runs from late fall to early winter each year. If you miss this window, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you experience:

✅ Loss of employer-based coverage

✅ Marriage or divorce

✅ Birth or adoption of a child

✅ Moving to a new state

• Original Medicare (Parts A & B) – Covers hospital stays, doctor visits, and outpatient care
• Medicare Advantage (Part C) – Combines hospital and medical coverage, often with added benefits like dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage
• Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plans – Helps cover out-of-pocket costs like deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance

✅ Medicare Prescription Drug (Part D) Plans – Covers medications and prescription drug costs

You can enroll in Medicare during:

• Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): Begins three months before your 65th birthday, lasts seven months
• Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): Runs from October 15 – December 7 each year for plan changes

Special Enrollment Period (SEP): If you experience certain life events, such as retiring after 65