Bronze Plans

Bronze plans are one of four "metal" levels of coverage established by the Affordable Care Act. These plans can be very affordable depending on your anticipated medical needs.

When compared to the other three plans, Bronze plans typically have the cheapest monthly insurance premiums. However, Bronze plans also tend to have the highest out-of-pocket costs and deductibles when using health insurance. They pay for 60% of your health care costs. You would be responsible for the remaining 40%, in addition to your monthly premium.

As with all four plans, your monthly premium could be lowered greatly if you qualify for the Premium Tax Credit. The Premium Tax Credit is like a "discount" that is paid for by the government and applied to your monthly insurance rate. The main factor in determining your eligibility is your annual household income. Depending on the state you live in, your income must be at or below 4x the Federal Poverty Line to qualify for the Premium Tax Credit.

Remember that the only difference among plans is the amount you pay, not the quality of health care you receive. By law, all four plans must meet the Ten Essential Health Benefits, which includes a free wellness visit and preventative care.

Does it Make Sense to Enroll in a Bronze Plan?

Only you can decide what type of plan is best for your individual or family needs. It is important to consider your current health, lifestyle, and medical risk factors. That said, it is always best to think in terms of the total cost of the plan, which is the monthly premium, plus your anticipated out-of-pocket costs when using the insurance.

A Bronze plan could be the right choice if you:

Want the lowest monthly premium possible and do not qualify for a Catastrophic plan;
Anticipate rarely needing non-preventative medical services;
Foresee rarely taking prescription medication;
And do not mind paying more out-of-pocket in the event you need non-preventative medical care, including a sickness or major medical emergency.

Keep in mind that no matter which metal level you choose, under Obamacare, all plans have the same maximum out-of-pocket limits. These limits protect you financially, especially if you need a lot of medical care. For 2023, the annual limit is $8,550 for an individual, and $17,100 for a family, including deductibles. Bronze plans pays for 60% percent of covered medical expenses before reaching the limit, and then 100% of all covered expenses after reaching the limit.

Even if you think a Bronze plan is right for you, consider a Silver plan. If you qualify for the Premium Tax Credit, which lowers your monthly rate, you may also qualify for Cost Sharing Reductions. Cost Sharing Reductions are like “discounts” on your out-of-pocket expenses that are paid for by the government. They are only available on Silver plans.

If you think you will need regular medical care, consider a Gold plan, especially if you do not qualify for Cost Sharing Reductions. A Platinum plan could be an even better choice for those who need very frequent or major medical services.

To start comparing Bronze plans, enter your zip code or call (877) 781-8601 to speak with an agent.

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QuoteLab, LLC
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Disclaimer:

MassHealthplans.com is operated by Quotelab, LLC, which is an independent broker and is not a federal or state Marketplace website. This website is owned and operated by QuoteLab, LLC, a licensed insurance agency, NPN #19911386. Invitations for application for health insurance on QuoteLab, LLC, only where licensed and appointed. License numbers are available upon request and are provided where required by law. QuoteLab's license information can be found at https://www.quotelab.com/licenses.html.

Federal Contracting Statement: Plans are insured or covered by a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract and/or a Medicare-approved Part D sponsor. Enrollment in the plan depends on the plan’s contract renewal with Medicare.

Third Party Material (TPMO) (Medicare.gov): We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048) 24 hours a day/7 days a week to get information on all of your options.

This website may not display all data on Qualified Health Plans being offered in your state through the Marketplace website or the federal Medicare program. This is not a complete listing of plans available in your service area. To see all available data on Qualified Health Plan options in your state, visit your state Marketplace website, go to the Health Insurance Marketplace website at https://www.healthcare.gov or consult https://www.medicare.gov.

Submitting this form does NOT affect your current enrollment, nor will it enroll you in a Medicare Advantage plan, Medicare Prescription Drug plan, Medicare Supplement Plan, or any other Medicare plan. QuoteLab, LLC is independent of the Medicare program and is neither associated with nor endorsed by The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) or any other governmental agency.

The plans represented on MassHealthplans.com are Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO and PFFS organizations and stand-alone prescription drug plans with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any plan depends on contract renewal. If you are paying Medicare Part B premium, you must continue to pay it to maintain coverage.

Not all plans offer all of these benefits. Benefits may vary by carrier and location. Limitations and exclusions may apply.

Every year, Medicare evaluates plans based on a 5-star rating system.

Part B Premium give-back is not available with all plans. Availability varies by carrier and location. Actual Part B premium reduction could be lower. Deductibles, copays and coinsurance may apply.

Based on median Medicare Advantage benefit amounts for dental available across multiple plans and metro areas. Not all benefits available in specific plans or regions.

This information is not a complete description of benefits. Contact the plan for more information.

Limitations, copayments, and restrictions may apply.

[Benefits, premiums and/or copayments/coinsurance] may change on January 1 of each year.

Advertised Pricing:

There are several factors that impact your monthly premium; including your age, geographical location, annual income, dependents, and the type of plan you choose. Monthly premiums do not include out-of-pocket costs.

The advertised price may not be typical. It was generated using the Kaiser Family Foundation's subsidy calculator that was accessed on September 16, 2020. The following parameters were used: 21 year old adult, non-tobacco user, annual income of $24,700 in 2020, no children, and no available coverage through a spouse's employer. The resulting monthly premium was $30 per month (or $360 per year after $2,751 in subsidies) for a Bronze Plan. Even when using the same parameters, the resulting premium and subsidy calculations may be subject to change.