What are the extra savings on a Silver plan?
Cost sharing reductions are extra savings that lower deductibles, copayments, coinsurance and the out of pocket maximum for eligible people. Most people must choose a Silver Marketplace plan to use these savings.
They are different from premium tax credits, which lower monthly premiums and may be used with Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum plans when you qualify. Special cost sharing rules apply to some American Indians and Alaska Natives.
What is the practical difference between Bronze and Silver?
Neither metal level tells you which doctors are included or whether a plan is best for you. Metal levels describe how costs are shared on average across a standard population, not what your household will necessarily pay.
| Compare | Bronze | Silver |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly premium | Often lower, but compare actual prices after any tax credit. | Can cost more each month; actual prices vary. |
| Costs when you get care | Often a higher deductible; check the specific plan. | Eligible people can get extra savings that lower care costs. |
| Premium tax credit | Can be applied if you qualify. | Can be applied if you qualify. |
| Extra savings on care | Income based cost sharing reductions generally do not apply. | Available if you qualify and enroll in a Silver plan. |
| Doctors and medicines | Check the exact network and drug list. | Check the exact network and drug list. |
How can a higher premium still cost less overall?
Compare 12 months of premiums with what you expect to pay for covered care. A lower premium is not always the lowest total cost.
| Illustration | Bronze | Silver |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly premium after any credit | $100 | $150 |
| Twelve months of premiums | $1,200 | $1,800 |
| Illustrative covered care you pay | $2,000 | $900 |
| Illustrative combined total | $3,200 | $2,700 |
Here Silver costs $600 more in premiums but $1,100 less for care, so the example total is $500 lower. Actual care costs are unpredictable. If you use less care, Bronze may cost less. Your own plans, providers, prescriptions and savings determine the result.
How do I check whether I qualify?
Apply through your Marketplace using your expected 2027 household income and household information. Your eligibility notice explains whether you can choose a plan with lower deductibles, copayments and coinsurance.
Eligibility depends on your circumstances, including income and other available coverage. The amount of extra savings varies with income. See the actual Silver plan details after applying, and update the Marketplace if income or household circumstances change.
What should I compare before enrolling?
Use our health plan comparison calculator to compare premiums and covered medical costs. It is an estimate, not a quote, and it does not include every copay, prescription or out of network charge.
- Confirm your doctors, hospital and prescriptions with the plan and provider.
- Compare the deductible, copays, coinsurance and out of pocket maximum for covered in network care.
- Check whether medicines or visits have separate costs or are covered before the deductible.
- Compare the yearly premium plus expected care costs. Do not add the deductible to the out of pocket maximum: it already counts toward that limit for covered in network care.
When do I choose a plan for 2027?
On HealthCare.gov, enroll by December 15, 2026 and pay your first premium for a January 1 start. Open enrollment ends January 15, 2027, and later choices start February 1. State marketplace deadlines can differ.
We can help you compare options for your area and explain what the Marketplace says you qualify for. See our 2027 savings guide and open enrollment dates.
See our Individual & Family plans
Major medical coverage for you and your household, with subsidies applied where you qualify.Health plan comparison calculator: yearly cost of two plans
Enter two plans' premiums, deductibles and out of pocket maximums to see which costs less for the care you expect.
Talk to a licensed agent
We compare plans, explain the tradeoffs and help you enroll. It costs you nothing.