Insurance · Medicare, Medicaid, and ACA

What are the four ACA 'metal tiers' and what do they represent?

Correct answer

Bronze (60/40), Silver (70/30), Gold (80/20), Platinum (90/10) — the percentage split between insurer and insured for covered costs after the deductible

  1. A Bronze (60/40), Silver (70/30), Gold (80/20), Platinum (90/10) — the percentage split between insurer and insured for covered costs after the deductible
  2. B Gold, Silver, Bronze, Platinum — marketing names only
  3. C They represent the level of network access
  4. D They determine eligibility for subsidies

Why this is the answer

ACA metal tiers define actuarial value — the expected percentage of costs the plan pays for an average enrollee. BRONZE (60/40): insurer pays 60%, insured pays 40%; lowest premium, highest out-of-pocket. SILVER (70/30): 70/30 split; medium premium; Silver plans are the benchmark for premium tax credits; cost-sharing reductions (CSRs) available for lower-income enrollees. GOLD (80/20): 80/20 split; higher premium, lower out-of-pocket. PLATINUM (90/10): insurer pays 90%; highest premium, lowest out-of-pocket; worth it for people with frequent medical needs. These are averages — individual plan design varies within each tier.
Source: Health Insurance Exam, ACA Metal Tiers

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Medicare, Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act questions cover Medicare Parts A to D and Medigap, Medicaid eligibility, and the ACA's marketplace, essential health benefits and guaranteed-issue rules. This is one of 12 Health Insurance questions on medicare, medicaid, and aca, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

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