GLOSSARY · HEALTH

Metal Tiers (ACA)

ACA plan classifications by cost-sharing — Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum.

Health 📋 Reviewed by InsureCo Editorial Team · Updated April 30, 2026
Quick definition: ACA plan classifications by cost-sharing — Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum.

Full explanation

ACA marketplace plans are organized into four metal tiers by their actuarial value (the percentage of average costs the plan pays): Bronze covers ~60%, Silver ~70%, Gold ~80%, Platinum ~90%. Bronze plans have the lowest premiums but highest deductibles and copays; Platinum has the highest premiums and lowest cost-sharing. A separate Catastrophic tier exists for those under 30 or with hardship exemptions. Silver is unique because Cost-Sharing Reduction (CSR) subsidies are only available on Silver plans for households below 250% FPL — a Silver CSR plan often outperforms Gold for that income band.

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