Choosing a health insurance plan can be complicated. Knowing just a few things before you compair plans can make it simpler.

  • The 4 “metal” categories: There are 4 categories of plans: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. These categories show how you and your plan share costs.
  • Your total costs for health care: You pay a monthly bill to your insurance company (a “premium”), even if you don’t use medical services that month. You pay out-of-pocket costs, like a deductable, when you get care. It’s important to think about both kinds of costs when shopping for a plan.
  • Plan and network types — HMO, PPO, POS, and EPO:  Some plan types allow you to use any doctor or health care facility. Others limit your choices or charge you more if you use providers outside their network.
Family Insurance

Choosing a health insurance plan can be complicated. Knowing just a few things before you compair plans can make it simpler.

  • The 4 “metal” categories: There are 4 categories of plans: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. These categories show how you and your plan share costs.
  • Your total costs for health care: You pay a monthly bill to your insurance company (a “premium”), even if you don’t use medical services that month. You pay out-of-pocket costs, like a deductable, when you get care. It’s important to think about both kinds of costs when shopping for a plan.
  • Plan and network types — HMO, PPO, POS, and EPO:  Some plan types allow you to use any doctor or health care facility. Others limit your choices or charge you more if you use providers outside their network.