Bronze Coverage Plans

Is Bronze right for you?

Overview of Coverage Levels

Covered California health insurance plans — and all health plans in the individual and small-group markets — are sold in four levels of coverage: Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum. As the metal category increases in value, so does the percentage of medical expenses that a health plan covers compared with what you are expected to pay in copays and deductibles.

Plans in higher metal categories have higher monthly premiums but when you need medical care, you pay less. Alternatively, you can choose to pay a lower monthly premium, and when you need medical care, you pay more. You can choose the level of coverage that best meets your health care needs and budget.

Some customers also have the option of buying minimum coverage plans or catastrophic plans. These plans have low monthly premiums and protect you in the event that the worst-case scenario happens.

Bronze is the most affordable of Covered California's standard coverage levels. You'll pay a lower monthly <premium> than you would with a Silver, Gold or Platinum plan. In exchange, your plan covers a smaller share of your care. On average, your health insurance company pays about 60 percent of covered medical expenses, and you pay about 40 percent.

The trade-off: If you get very sick, have an accident or need a hospital stay, you could pay a lot before your plan starts paying for most of your care. The good news is that free preventive care still starts on day one — there’s no <deductible> to meet first, and once your <out-of-pocket costs> reach the yearly limit, the plan covers the rest.

Even so, <free preventive care> — like annual wellness visits, vaccines and screenings — is covered from the first day your plan begins.

A Bronze plan may be a good fit if you:

• Want to keep your monthly costs low.
• Don't expect to use health care services often.
• Are comfortable paying more out of pocket when you do need care.

You may want to consider other coverage levels if:

• You see a doctor several times a year.
• You regularly fill prescriptions.
• You want more protection and lower costs when you get care.
• You qualify for <Enhanced Silver> benefits.

Use an HSA With Your Bronze plan

Both Standard and HDHP Bronze plans can be paired with a health savings account (HSA). Your HSA belongs to you, not your insurance company. The money you add isn't subject to federal income tax, and what you don't spend rolls over each year. You can use it for medical and dental costs, like deductibles and copays, but not your monthly premium.