Choosing a Marketplace Health Plan
Choosing a health plan can be complicated. There are a lot of things to take into account.
There are several important things to consider when you compare Marketplace plans:
- Plan category: There are 5 categories of Marketplace insurance plans: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Catastrophic. Plans in these categories differ based on how you and the plan share the costs of your care. The categories have nothing to do with the amount or quality of care you get. Read more about the 5 plan categories.
- Monthly premiums: This is the amount you pay your insurance company for your plan, usually monthly, whether you use medical services or not. Read more about monthly premiums.
- Out-of-pocket costs: These include the costs you pay before your insurance begins to pay its share (your deductible, copayments, coinsurance, and your out-of-pocket maximum). Read more about out-of-pocket costs.
- Type of insurance plan and provider network: Some types of plans allow you to see almost any doctor or health care facility. Others limit your choices to a network of doctors and facilities, or require you to pay more if you use providers outside the network. Read more about the types of insurance plan and provider network.
- Benefits: All plans sold through the Marketplace provide the same essential health benefits, cover pre-existing conditions, and offer free preventive services. But some plans offer additional benefits. Read more about essential health benefits, pre-existing conditions, and free preventive services.