Obamacare Plans 2026: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum Compared
Compare all 4 ACA metal tiers — Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum — deductibles, OOP max, premiums, who each is best for, plus Cost-Sharing Reduction (CSR) explained.
Quick estimate: see what you might pay with our subsidy calculator before you read on.
If you have ever stood at HealthCare.gov staring at 40 plans across 4 metal tiers and 8 carriers, you are not alone. The number-one mistake people make on the Marketplace is picking the lowest monthly premium and ignoring the total annual cost. The second mistake is picking Silver without checking if they qualify for Cost-Sharing Reductions — which can make Silver dramatically cheaper than it looks.
This guide cuts through the four metal tiers — Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum — plus Catastrophic plans, with real 2026 numbers and the math on which tier wins for which situation.
The 4 metal tiers — at a glance
| Tier | Plan pays | You pay | Deductible (typical) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bronze | ~60% | ~40% | $6,000–$8,500 | Healthy, want lowest premium, OK with high deductible |
| Silver | ~70% | ~30% | $3,000–$5,000 (or much less with CSR) | Most enrollees, especially under 250% FPL |
| Gold | ~80% | ~20% | $1,000–$2,000 | Frequent care users, chronic conditions |
| Platinum | ~90% | ~10% | $0–$1,000 | Heavy care users, can afford highest premium |
The “Plan pays” percentage is called the actuarial value. It is what the plan pays on average across all enrollees. Your specific year may be much higher or lower depending on how much care you use.
Confused? Talk to a licensed agent — free, they will run the math for your situation in 10 minutes.
Bronze plans — lowest premium, highest deductible
Bronze plans have the cheapest monthly premium of any subsidized tier. The tradeoff is the highest deductible — you pay full price (negotiated rate) for most care until you hit the deductible.
Bronze plan typical numbers (2026):
- Monthly premium: Lowest of all tiers, sometimes $0 after subsidy
- Deductible: $6,000 to $8,500 single, double for family
- Out-of-pocket maximum: $10,600 single (2026 federal cap)
- Primary care visit: Often full deductible price, $100-$200 each
- Specialist visit: Often full deductible price, $200-$400 each
- Generic prescriptions: Sometimes covered before deductible at $5-$20
Bronze is best for you if:
- You are young and healthy
- You rarely see a doctor
- You want the lowest possible monthly bill
- You can afford the deductible in an emergency (or have an HSA)
- You do not qualify for CSR
Bronze is a bad fit if:
- You take regular prescriptions
- You see specialists during the year
- You have a chronic condition
- You cannot afford $6,000+ in a year
Bronze and HSA — a powerful combo
Some Bronze plans are HSA-eligible (High-Deductible Health Plans). Pairing a Bronze HSA plan with a Health Savings Account lets you save pre-tax money for medical expenses. For self-employed and middle-income enrollees, this can be very tax-efficient. Confirm HSA-eligibility on the plan summary before assuming.
Silver plans — the sweet spot for most enrollees
Silver is the default recommendation for most Marketplace enrollees, and the only tier eligible for Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSR).
Silver plan typical numbers without CSR (2026):
- Monthly premium: Mid-range
- Deductible: $3,000 to $5,500 single
- Out-of-pocket maximum: $6,000-$10,600 single
- Primary care visit: $20-$50 copay (often before deductible)
- Specialist visit: $50-$100 copay
- Generic prescriptions: $10-$30 copay
Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSR) — the Silver superpower
If your household income is below 250% of the federal poverty level, you qualify for CSR. CSR transforms Silver plans into something closer to a Gold or Platinum experience while still having Silver premium subsidies.
Silver with CSR — three tiers based on income:
| Income | CSR effect | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 100-150% FPL | Silver 94 — strongest CSR | Plan acts like Platinum. Deductible $0-$500. OOP max $3,000 |
| 150-200% FPL | Silver 87 — strong CSR | Plan acts like Gold-plus. Deductible $500-$1,500. OOP max $3,000-$4,000 |
| 200-250% FPL | Silver 73 — modest CSR | Plan slightly better than base Silver. Deductible $2,000-$3,500. OOP max $7,000 |
The CSR is built into the Silver plan automatically once HealthCare.gov verifies your income. You do not apply separately. CSR is paid by the federal government directly to the insurance company.
Why Silver almost always wins under 250% FPL: A Silver 87 plan costs roughly the same per month as a Bronze plan (after CSR), but with a deductible of $1,000 instead of $7,000. The math is rarely close.
Silver is best for you if:
- Your income is under 250% FPL (CSR makes it the obvious choice)
- You want a balance of premium and out-of-pocket cost
- You occasionally see doctors
Gold plans — for higher care users
Gold plans have higher premiums than Silver but lower deductibles and copays. They cover roughly 80% of expected medical costs.
Gold plan typical numbers (2026):
- Monthly premium: $50-$200/month higher than Silver
- Deductible: $1,000 to $2,500 single
- Out-of-pocket maximum: $5,000-$8,000 single
- Primary care visit: $10-$30 copay (often before deductible)
- Specialist visit: $30-$60 copay
- Generic prescriptions: $5-$15 copay
Gold is best for you if:
- You expect to use a lot of care this year
- You have a chronic condition (diabetes, asthma, hypertension)
- You take expensive brand-name prescriptions
- You have a planned surgery or pregnancy
- You do NOT qualify for CSR (otherwise Silver wins)
Run the math: Gold versus Silver depends on annual care use. If you expect $5,000+ in medical costs in the year, Gold often beats Silver on total annual spend (premium + out-of-pocket). For occasional care, Silver wins.
Platinum plans — heavy users only
Platinum plans have the highest premiums but the lowest out-of-pocket costs. They cover roughly 90% of expected medical costs.
Platinum plan typical numbers (2026):
- Monthly premium: Highest of all tiers
- Deductible: $0 to $1,000 single
- Out-of-pocket maximum: $3,000-$6,000 single
- Primary care visit: $5-$20 copay
- Specialist visit: $20-$40 copay
- Generic prescriptions: $0-$10 copay
Platinum is best for you if:
- You have a serious chronic condition with high ongoing costs
- You take multiple specialty prescriptions
- You expect major medical procedures
- The plan you want has a strong network and you value predictability
- You can comfortably afford the premium
Platinum is the least common tier on most state Marketplaces because Gold often delivers similar protection at lower cost. Many counties have no Platinum plans available at all.
Catastrophic plans — under 30 only
Catastrophic plans are a separate fifth tier. They are designed as worst-case protection.
Catastrophic plan numbers (2026):
- Monthly premium: Very low, sometimes below $200 unsubsidized
- Deductible: ~$10,600 single (matches the OOP max)
- Out-of-pocket maximum: $10,600 single
- Free benefits: 3 primary care visits per year + preventive services
Catastrophic restrictions:
- Only available to people under 30 OR with a hardship/affordability exemption
- Premium tax credit subsidies cannot be applied to Catastrophic plans
- Cost-Sharing Reductions cannot be applied
For most subsidy-eligible young adults, a subsidized Bronze plan is cheaper net of subsidy than a Catastrophic plan. Catastrophic is mainly useful for young adults who do not qualify for any subsidies.
Not sure which tier? Get a real quote from a licensed agent — they will compare your top 3-5 plans side by side.
The actuarial value table — what each tier really means
The metal tier name is just the actuarial value:
- Bronze = ~60% actuarial value (plan pays 60% on average)
- Silver = ~70% actuarial value
- Gold = ~80% actuarial value
- Platinum = ~90% actuarial value
The actuarial value is what the plan pays on average across the whole insured population. Your specific year may be much higher (if you have a major hospital stay) or much lower (if you never use care).
Important: All four tiers cover the same set of essential health benefits required by federal law. The metal tier does not change what is covered. It changes how the cost is split between you and the insurer.
How to read an HealthCare.gov plan summary
When you compare plans on HealthCare.gov or with an agent, focus on these 7 numbers:
- Monthly premium after subsidy — what you actually pay each month
- Deductible — what you pay before the plan pays anything (except free preventive care)
- Out-of-pocket maximum — your worst-case yearly spend if you use a lot of care
- Primary care copay — what you pay per office visit
- Specialist copay — what you pay per specialist visit
- Prescription copay tiers — what generics, brand-name, and specialty drugs cost
- Network match — whether your specific doctors are in network
A plan with a $50/month higher premium but a $5,000 lower deductible may be a much better deal if you use any care at all.
How subsidies work across tiers
Premium Tax Credit (PTC):
- Applies to all four metal tiers (not Catastrophic)
- Pegged to the second-lowest-cost Silver plan in your area (the “benchmark”)
- The dollar amount of the subsidy is the same regardless of which tier you pick
Cost-Sharing Reduction (CSR):
- Applies only to Silver plans
- Only available if income is under 250% FPL
- Automatically applied — no separate application
This is why most agents start income-eligible enrollees on Silver — the PTC plus CSR stack delivers the most value.
When can you switch plans?
You can switch plans:
- During Open Enrollment every fall (November 1 to mid-January in most states)
- During a Special Enrollment Period triggered by a qualifying life event (loss of coverage, marriage, baby, move, US citizenship, significant income change)
If your income changes during the year, you might shift between Silver CSR tiers. Report changes to HealthCare.gov within 30 days to keep your plan accurate.
The bottom line
There is no universally best Obamacare metal tier. The right one depends on:
- Whether you qualify for CSR (under 250% FPL = Silver wins almost always)
- How much care you expect to use this year
- How much premium you can pay each month
- Whether your specific doctors are in the plan’s network
The biggest mistakes are picking the lowest premium without checking the deductible, ignoring CSR eligibility, and not verifying that your doctors are in network.
Stop guessing. Talk to a licensed agent. Free. Spanish available. They will run real numbers in your zip code in 15 minutes.
Cross-references
- Obamacare: The Complete US Guide
- The Health Insurance Marketplace
- Who Qualifies for Obamacare
- Income Limits for Subsidies
- How to Apply for Obamacare
Last updated: May 12, 2026.
Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Insurance products vary by state and individual circumstances. Always speak with a licensed insurance agent for guidance specific to your situation. Nexus Insurance partners with US-licensed agents in Texas, Florida, California, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia (and other states via partner agents)California, and other states. Contact us for the current list.