Reviewed by Tina Price, licensed health insurance advisor, on October 30, 2026.

Bronze, silver, gold: choosing a metal level

Bronze, silver, gold, and platinum describe how you and the plan split costs. Higher levels usually cost more each month and less when you use care. They say nothing about quality.

Last updated October 30, 2026

The short version

Bronze: low premium, high deductible. Gold: higher premium, lower deductible.
Metal level is about cost-sharing, not quality of care.
Silver is the level where cost-sharing reductions apply if you qualify.
Always check the deductible and out-of-pocket maximum, not just the premium.

What the levels mean

Metal levels are estimates of how much the plan pays across all covered care for an average group of people. HealthCare.gov lists these as estimates:

Bronze: plan pays about 60%, you pay about 40%.
Silver: plan pays about 70%, you pay about 30%.
Gold: plan pays about 80%, you pay about 20%.
Platinum: plan pays about 90%, you pay about 10%.

How it plays out in a year

Three terms first. The deductible is what you pay for covered care before the plan starts paying. A copay is a flat fee, such as $30 for a visit. Coinsurance is your percent share of a bill after the deductible.

A bronze plan usually has the lowest monthly premium and a high deductible. If you rarely use care, you may spend less overall. If you have a bad year, you pay more before the plan steps in.

A gold plan usually has a higher premium and a lower deductible. It can come out ahead if you use care often.

The percentages are averages for a typical group of people, not a promise for you. Your own cost depends on the plan's deductible, copays, and coinsurance, and on the care you need.

The out-of-pocket maximum

The out-of-pocket maximum is the most you pay for covered, in-network care in a plan year. It does not include monthly premiums, care the plan does not cover, or out-of-network care.

HealthCare.gov lists the federal limit for 2027 as $12,000 for an individual and $24,000 for a family. Many plans set a lower limit. Compare the actual number on each plan.

Silver and income-based savings

If your income is up to 250% of the federal poverty level, you may qualify for cost-sharing reductions, but only on silver plans. Enhanced silver plans pay about 73%, 87%, or 94% of costs, depending on income.

For some households, an enhanced silver plan has a lower deductible than a gold plan. Compare them before assuming a higher metal level costs less to use.

Catastrophic and HSA plans

Catastrophic plans cover three primary care visits a year before the deductible. You must be under 30, or qualify for a hardship or affordability exemption, to buy one.

In Colorado, all bronze and catastrophic plans on the marketplace are HSA-eligible. A health savings account lets you set aside pre-tax money for medical costs. It generally cannot be used for premiums.

Next step

List the care you expect next year, then compare the full yearly cost, not just the premium. Our comparison can sort plans by the most you would pay in a year.

Want a person to check your pick? A licensed Grove advisor will, at no cost.

Compare plans Call (970) 840-1130

Common questions

Is a gold plan better care than bronze?

No. The level is about how the cost is shared between you and the plan. The doctors and hospitals depend on the network.

Should I pick bronze if I am healthy?

It may lower what you pay each month, but a high deductible means a large bill if something happens. Check that you could cover the deductible.

Why is silver the level people mention?

Cost-sharing reductions, which lower your deductible and copays, apply only to silver plans. They require that you qualify based on income.

Sources

This guide is general information, not tax or legal advice. Connect for Health Colorado decides eligibility and tax credits.

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