The Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare, is a federal law that was enacted in 2010 to provide Americans with access to affordable health insurance. The ACA established several health insurance plans, or "levels," that are designed to meet the needs of different individuals and families.
The ACA health insurance plan levels are:
Bronze: The Bronze plan is the most affordable option available through the ACA. It covers 60% of the average person's health care costs. This means that the insured person will be responsible for paying the remaining 40% out-of-pocket.
Silver: The Silver plan is the second most affordable option available through the ACA. It covers 70% of the average person's health care costs, leaving the insured person responsible for paying the remaining 30% out-of-pocket.
Gold: The Gold plan is the third most affordable option available through the ACA. It covers 80% of the average person's health care costs, leaving the insured person responsible for paying the remaining 20% out-of-pocket.
Platinum: The Platinum plan is the most comprehensive option available through the ACA. It covers 90% of the average person's health care costs, leaving the insured person responsible for paying the remaining 10% out-of-pocket.
Each of these plan levels has different premiums, deductibles, and copayments, which can impact the overall cost of the plan. For example, a Bronze plan may have a lower monthly premium, but a higher deductible and copayments, while a Platinum plan may have a higher monthly premium but lower out-of-pocket costs.
In addition to the four main ACA plan levels, there are also two additional plan options available through the ACA:
Catastrophic: The Catastrophic plan is available to individuals under the age of 30, or those who qualify for a hardship exemption. It has the lowest monthly premiums of all ACA plans, but it also has the highest deductibles and copayments.
Short-term: The Short-term plan is a temporary health insurance option that is available for a limited time, typically no more than three months. It is not considered a "qualified" health plan under the ACA, so it does not provide the same level of coverage as the other ACA plans.
When choosing an ACA health insurance plan, it's important to consider your individual needs and budget. You should also consider factors such as your age, any pre-existing medical conditions, and your expected level of medical care. By understanding the ACA plan levels and the benefits and drawbacks of each one, you can make a solid decision as to which one is best for you.