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.

Indiana's House Bill 1004 | Remodel Health

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

ICHRA

ICHRA contribution benchmarks by industry

Aug 4, 2026, 11:38:35 AM 8 min read

What is Indiana’s new bill?

This new bill is a recent legislative update introducing a new tax credit opportunity for qualified taxpayers who provide their employees with health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs), like ICHRAs.

What does this bill mean for my small business?

This new bill is an excellent money-saving opportunity for small clients. Indiana hopes to alleviate some of the financial burden of offering quality health benefits by using this bill to encourage small business owners to make the switch! Take advantage of this legislation and provide valuable health benefits while reducing your tax liability.

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Indiana's House Bill 1004: What it Means for Your Small Business Health Insurance

ICHRA Exclusive Podcast: Unpacking Indiana's House Bill 1004

Indiana has a new health insurance tax credit.

Are you a small business owner with less than 50 employees?If so, you can benefit from this bill's tax credit!

What are the metallic tiers of health coverage?

What the 2027 individual health insurance rate filings mean for ICHRA

ICHRA contribution benchmarks by industry

What is Indiana’s new bill?

What does this bill mean for my small business?

Indiana’s new bill goes into effect in January 2024!

Learn more about Indiana's new bill.

Indiana's House Bill 1004: What it Means for Your Small Business Health Insurance

ICHRA Exclusive Podcast: Unpacking Indiana's House Bill 1004

Downloadable Ebook:4 Reasons Small Businesses are Switching to ICHRAs

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

Indiana has a new health insurance tax credit.

Are you a small business owner with less than 50 employees?If so, you can benefit from this bill's tax credit!

What are the metallic tiers of health coverage?

What the 2027 individual health insurance rate filings mean for ICHRA

ICHRA contribution benchmarks by industry

What is Indiana’s new bill?

What does this bill mean for my small business?

Indiana’s new bill goes into effect in January 2024!

Learn more about Indiana's new bill.

Indiana's House Bill 1004: What it Means for Your Small Business Health Insurance

ICHRA Exclusive Podcast: Unpacking Indiana's House Bill 1004

Downloadable Ebook:4 Reasons Small Businesses are Switching to ICHRAs

Remodel Health601 S. Meridian St.Indianapolis, IN 46225

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