Covered California plans come in coverage levels — Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum and the minimum coverage plan. They differ in how you share health care costs with your insurance plan.
Every Covered California plan has a coverage level. All levels include the same essential health benefits. What changes is how costs are shared between you and your health plan.
In general, plans work like this:
There's no single right choice. The best coverage level for you depends on your budget and how much care you expect to use.
We can help point you in the right direction. What you'll pay also depends on your income, location, and more. Shop & Compare Plans to get an estimate based on your situation.
Think about doctor visits, prescriptions, and medical tests you might need.
You pay for health care two ways: a monthly premium, and out-of-pocket costs when you get care.
Based on what you selected, you may want to explore
Monthly Premium
What you pay each month for your plan
MEDIUM
*Deductibles
What you pay before insurance kicks in
MEDIUM
Cost of Care
Your share of the cost when you get care
~30%
*Not all plans require that you meet your deductible before coverage begins
Silver balances what you pay each month with what you pay when you need care. And if your income qualifies, you may get extra savings that lower your costs even more. Preventive care is always free and covered from day one.
The table above highlights key differences. The Health Benefits Table (PDF) compares what you pay for every covered service at each coverage level.
This plan works differently from the other plans. It’s only available if you're under 30 or qualify for a hardship or affordability exemption. For details on who qualifies and how this plan works, see Minimum Coverage Plan.
Learn more about each coverage level.
After choosing a coverage level, you will also choose a plan type: HMO, PPO, or EPO. Your plan type affects how you receive care, such as whether you need referrals or can see doctors outside the plan’s network. It can also affect your monthly premium.
Health maintenance organization
Lower cost, more structure
Best For
Lower costs, with a primary doctor managing your care
Preferred provider organization
More choice, higher cost
Best For
Flexibility to choose your own doctors and hospitals
Exclusive provider organization
Part HMO, part PPO
Best For
Lower costs without needing referrals
No matter which plan you choose, all Covered California health plans include the same essential health benefits. What you pay for each depends on your plan.
Note: This is a general overview of covered services. Contact your health insurance company for details about your plan's benefits.
Preventive care, like annual checkups and recommended screenings, is free. If you bring up a new health problem during that visit, your normal plan costs may apply to that part of the care. The preventive services themselves are still free.
Children’s dental and vision insurance are included with every plan. Adult dental and vision care are not, but you can buy them separately. Learn more about your Dental Insurance and Vision Insurance options.
See the plans, monthly premiums, and doctors available in your area. Estimate your savings based on your income and household size.
Apply online on your own, or get help by phone or in person. Every option is free and confidential.