Bronze plans usually have the lowest monthly premiums of all the coverage levels — but you'll pay more when you get care. They come in two types, Standard and High Deductible (HDHP). They cost about the same each month but work differently when you use care. Bronze is a good fit if you don't expect to use health care often and you're comfortable with higher costs if something serious comes up. Free preventive care is covered from day one.
Bronze is the most affordable of Covered California's standard More information available. You'll pay a lower monthly More information available than you would with a Silver, Gold or Platinum plan. In exchange, your plan covers a smaller share of your care. On average, your health insurance company pays about 60 percent of covered medical expenses, and you pay up to 40 percent.
The trade-off: If you get very sick, have an accident or need a hospital stay, you could pay a lot before your plan starts paying for most of your care. The good news is that free preventive care still starts on day one — there’s no More information available to meet first, and once your More information available reach the yearly limit, the plan covers the rest.
Even so, More information available — like annual wellness visits, vaccines and screenings — is covered from the first day your plan begins.
A Standard Bronze plan may be a good fit if you:
You may want to consider other coverage levels if:
High Deductible (HDHP) Bronze Plan:
Compare all coverage levels to find the right fit.
Both Standard and More information available Bronze plans can be paired with a health savings account (HSA). Your HSA belongs to you, not your insurance company. The money you add isn't subject to federal income tax, and what you don't spend rolls over each year. You can use it for medical and dental costs, like deductibles and copays, but not your monthly premium.
See plans available in your area. Compare monthly premiums, doctors, hospitals, prescription costs and estimated savings.
There are two kinds of Bronze plans that cost about the same each month. They differ in how the deductible works and what you pay when you get care — one is considered standard, and the other is a high deductible health plan (HDHP). Both plans cap total spending at the out-of-pocket maximum (above).
¹ The first three non-preventive doctor, specialist and mental health visits are a copay with no deductible. After three visits, you pay full cost until the deductible is met.
For exact costs, including premiums, use Shop and Compare to see plan-specific details.
You've picked Bronze. That sets your overall costs. Now pick a plan type: HMO, PPO or EPO. Your choice changes how you see doctors, whether you need a referral and what you pay each month.
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
See plans available in your area. Compare monthly premiums, doctors, hospitals, prescription costs and estimated savings.
Not ready to pick a plan yet? Here are a few ways to learn more or get help.