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.

Chat With Us Today | Remodel Health

ICHRA

HRA Council Report: Growth trends for ICHRA

Aug 20, 2026, 9:00:00 AM 9 min read

Individual Health Insurance

What are the metallic tiers of health coverage?

Aug 19, 2026, 11:05:20 AM 9 min read

ICHRA

What the 2027 individual health insurance rate filings mean for ICHRA

Aug 18, 2026, 10:45:27 AM 6 min read

Remodel Health is a financial technology company, not an FDIC insured depository institution. Banking services provided by Bangor Savings Bank, Member FDIC. FDIC insurance coverage protects against the failure of an FDIC insured depository institution. Pass through FDIC insurance coverage is subject to certain conditions. The Remodel Health Mastercard® Debit Card is issued by Bangor Savings Bank, Member FDIC, pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circle design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

Interested in learning more?

Expert insights at your fingertips.

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

Earning Accolades in Health Innovation

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

Interested in learning more?

Expert insights at your fingertips.

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

Earning Accolades in Health Innovation

Remodel Health601 S. Meridian St.Indianapolis, IN 46225

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