What is the difference between a Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum health plan?

The main difference between the four metal tiers is how the plan divides costs between the insurer and the planholder. Bronze plans have an actuarial value of about 60%, and Silver has 70%. Gold coverage has an actuarial value of 80%, and Platinum has 90%. In general, higher-tier plans have higher premiums but lower out-of-pocket costs when you receive care.

Which metal tier is best for health insurance?

There isn't a single metal tier that's best for everyone, as consumers have varying healthcare needs. Bronze may work well for someone who wants a lower premium and doesn’t expect to use much healthcare during the plan year. Gold or Platinum might be a better fit for someone who expects higher medical expenses or has a chronic condition. Those searching for a middle-ground policy or needing cost-sharing reductions may find a Silver plan to be the best option.

Does a higher metal tier mean better health insurance?

No. Metal tiers describe how the plan will divide healthcare costs between you and the insurance company. They don't indicate the quality of your healthcare or guarantee a larger provider network. For example, a Bronze plan can provide the same health benefits as a Platinum plan; however, the cost-sharing structure will be different.

Can I use an ICHRA with a Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum plan?

Yes. Employees with an ICHRA only need qualifying individual health insurance coverage to use the benefit, regardless of the plan’s metal tier. However, how the ICHRA and premium tax credits work together depends on your benefit’s affordability. If your ICHRA is affordable (meaning you’re not paying more than 9.96% of your actual income for the lowest-cost Silver plan on a public health exchange), you can't receive your premium tax credit. If it's unaffordable, you can opt out of the ICHRA and collect your tax credits.

What is the average ICHRA contribution?

According to Remodel Health's 2026 National ICHRA Report, average employer contributions vary significantly by industry and family status. For employee-only coverage, average monthly contributions range from approximately $441 to $730, while family contributions can exceed $1,400 in some industries.

How much should an employer contribute to an ICHRA?

There is no required minimum contribution for an ICHRA. However, applicable large employers with 50 or more full-time equivalent employees must offer an affordable ICHRA contribution to satisfy the Affordable Care Act's employer mandate. The right contribution depends on your workforce, budget, local insurance market, and benefits goals.

Can employers contribute different amounts to different employees?

Yes. ICHRAs give employers flexibility to vary contribution amounts based on factors permitted under federal IRS guidelines and the ICHRA final rules, such as employee age and family size. Employers can also offer different contribution amounts to eligible employee classes, like part-time and full-time employees.

Do employees usually enroll in the benchmark plan?

Not always. Many employees choose different carriers, provider networks, deductibles, or metal levels based on their healthcare needs and budget. The benchmark plan simply serves as a reference point for establishing employer contributions.

How does ICHRA compare to QSEHRA?

Both the individual coverage HRA (ICHRA) and qualified small employer HRA (QSEHRA) allow employers to offer tax-advantaged health benefits, but they serve different needs. ICHRA is available to employers of all sizes, while QSEHRA is only for small employers with fewer than 50 full-time equivalent employees (FTEs). The IRS also sets annual contribution limits for QSEHRA.

Does ICHRA help employees pay for individual health insurance coverage?

Yes. With an ICHRA, employees receive a tax-free employer contribution that they can use toward their individual health insurance premiums.

Do employees have to choose the same health insurance plan with ICHRA?

No. One of the biggest advantages of ICHRA is that employees can choose individual health insurance plans based on their own healthcare preferences, budget, and preferred providers.

Where can employees buy individual health insurance plans with ICHRA?

Employees can purchase individual health insurance plans through the Health Insurance Marketplace, a state marketplace, or directly from an insurance company. With ICHRA, employees may also have the option to choose off-exchange plans, which can provide additional plan choices depending on their location. With Remodel Health’s ICHRA+, most employees enroll in off-exchange plans through our platform.

What are the most popular health plan types chosen by Remodel Health ICHRA+ members?

Gold copay plans, bronze HSA plans, and silver copay plans make up the majority of selections.

Do employees with ICHRA tend to choose gold or bronze plans?

Gold and bronze plans are both popular choices among Remodel Health ICHRA+ members, with 28% choosing Gold copay plans and 27% choosing Bronze HSA plans.

An individual coverage health reimbursement arrangement (ICHRA) is an employer-sponsored benefit that allows organizations to provide tax-free contributions employees can use toward individual health insurance premiums and eligible medical expenses. Unlike traditional group health plans, ICHRA gives employees more flexibility to choose coverage that fits their needs.

Is ICHRA only for small employers?

No. Employers of all sizes use ICHRA to provide flexible health benefits.

Do employees have fewer health plan options with ICHRA?

No. ICHRA often gives employees access to a wider range of individual health plans. Instead of choosing from a limited number of employer-selected group plans, employees can compare available options and select healthcare coverage based on their providers, prescriptions, budget, and healthcare needs.

Can an employer switch ICHRA administrators midyear?

Yes. Employers can transition administrators midyear. However, switching administrators doesn't trigger a special enrollment period (SEP) for employees.

What information do I need from my current ICHRA administrator when changing partners?

Employers should request a complete enrollment file, including employee and dependent details, plan IDs, member IDs, contribution amounts, and payment information.

How long does an ICHRA administrator transition take?

The timeline depends on the size of the group, carrier processes, available data, and whether employees are making plan changes. A strong transition partner will help create a clear timeline and guide employers through each step.

Will switching ICHRA administrators affect my employees’ health plans?

It depends on the timing of an ICHRA vendor change. If you’re exploring a midyear change, employees’ plans won’t be impacted, as changing ICHRA vendors doesn’t create an SEP. However, changing vendors during the annual Open Enrollment period would allow employees to change their plans for the new benefit year.

What should I look for in an ICHRA administrator?

You should look beyond tech-only ICHRA platforms and evaluate vendors based on their customer service model, compliance support, and change management.

What is the difference between Medicaid and CHIP?

Medicaid provides health coverage for eligible low-income individuals and families, including adults, children, pregnant individuals, seniors, and people with disabilities. In contrast, CHIP is primarily for children and certain pregnant individuals whose household income is too high to qualify for Medicaid but too low to comfortably afford private health insurance.

Can you have Medicaid and private health insurance at the same time?

Yes. In some situations, individuals can have Medicaid and another form of health insurance simultaneously. When this happens, Medicaid may help pay for certain medical costs the primary insurance plan doesn’t cover. However, coordination of benefits rules may vary depending on the type of private coverage the individual has and their state requirements.

What income levels qualify for Medicaid?

Medicaid income limits vary by state, household size, and eligibility category. Most states use modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) to determine eligibility for children, parents, and many adults. In states with Medicaid expansion due to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), adults with household incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level may qualify.

Can adults qualify for CHIP?

CHIP is primarily for children younger than age 19. However, some states allow certain pregnant individuals to qualify for CHIP coverage.

Can employees with Medicaid participate in an ICHRA?

No. While Medicaid counts as minimum essential coverage (MEC), the federal government doesn’t consider it qualifying individual health insurance, which is necessary to participate in an ICHRA. Employees must enroll in an eligible individual health plan to use their ICHRA benefit.

Does an ICHRA affect CHIP eligibility?

It can. A child's eligibility for CHIP may depend on whether the employee's ICHRA meets affordability standards. Because CHIP rules differ by state, employees should contact their state's Marketplace or Medicaid agency to determine how an ICHRA offer affects their family's eligibility.

Remodel Health ICHRA Insights

HRA Council Report: Growth trends for ICHRA

The latest HRA Council report reveals key growth trends for ICHRA. See what rising HRA adoption means for the future of health benefits.

Aug 20, 2026, 9:00:00 AM 9 min read

What are the metallic tiers of health coverage?

Learn about health insurance metal tiers, including Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans, and how each affects cost and coverage.

Aug 19, 2026, 11:05:20 AM 9 min read

What the 2027 individual health insurance rate filings mean for ICHRA

A first look at 2027 individual health insurance rate increases and our take on what they mean for ICHRA employers heading into next year.

Aug 18, 2026, 10:45:27 AM 6 min read

ICHRA contribution benchmarks by industry

See ICHRA employer contributions by industry and benchmark your budget against real data and set competitive allowances with confidence.

Aug 4, 2026, 11:38:35 AM 8 min read

Addressing the U.S. healthcare affordability crisis through ICHRA

Are carrier exits proof that the ICHRA individual market is failing? No. Here's how ICHRA is addressing the U.S. healthcare affordability crisis.

Jul 27, 2026, 8:02:00 AM 7 min read

Most popular individual health insurance options with ICHRA

Explore the most popular ICHRA health plans employees choose, from Bronze to Gold ACA marketplace options, and how ICHRA makes it possible.

Jul 14, 2026, 9:00:00 AM 7 min read

Six Common ICHRA Misconceptions Debunked

6 common ICHRA misconceptions debunked

Don't let ICHRA myths hold you and your clients back. We debunk common misconceptions about compliance, plan design, and individual market choices.

Jul 7, 2026, 9:30:00 AM 6 min read

How to switch ICHRA administrators: A step-by-step guide

Planning on changing ICHRA administrators? Learn how to smoothly execute a platform takeover without causing coverage gaps.

Jun 30, 2026, 11:00:00 AM 6 min read

What is Medicaid and CHIP coverage?

What is Medicaid and CHIP coverage? Learn how these federal-state programs provide free or low-cost health insurance to low-income adults and children.

Jun 26, 2026, 9:00:00 AM 7 min read

ICHRA Insights from Remodel Health

HRA Council Report: Growth trends for ICHRA

What are the metallic tiers of health coverage?

What the 2027 individual health insurance rate filings mean for ICHRA

ICHRA contribution benchmarks by industry

Addressing the U.S. healthcare affordability crisis through ICHRA

Most popular individual health insurance options with ICHRA

6 common ICHRA misconceptions debunked

How to switch ICHRA administrators: A step-by-step guide

What is Medicaid and CHIP coverage?

Remodel Health
601 S. Meridian St.
Indianapolis, IN 46225

ICHRA Insights from Remodel Health

HRA Council Report: Growth trends for ICHRA

What are the metallic tiers of health coverage?

What the 2027 individual health insurance rate filings mean for ICHRA

ICHRA contribution benchmarks by industry

Addressing the U.S. healthcare affordability crisis through ICHRA

Most popular individual health insurance options with ICHRA

6 common ICHRA misconceptions debunked

How to switch ICHRA administrators: A step-by-step guide

What is Medicaid and CHIP coverage?

Remodel Health601 S. Meridian St.Indianapolis, IN 46225

Remodel Health
601 S. Meridian St.
Indianapolis, IN 46225