Best for: lowest monthly cost
~60% of costs covered
- Lowest monthly premium
- Higher deductible
- Ideal if you rarely see a doctor
- Free preventive care
- HSA-eligible options
2026 ACA Marketplace Coverage
ACA health insurance plans for every budget
Every Affordable Care Act plan covers the same 10 essential health benefits and can't deny you for pre-existing conditions. The "metal" tier simply changes how you and your insurer split costs. Here's how to pick the right one — and how to pay as little as $0/month with subsidies.
Bronze, Silver, Gold & Platinum
Higher tiers cost more each month but cover more when you need care. There's no "best" tier — only the best fit for you.
Best for: extra savings (CSR)
~70% of costs covered
- Unlocks cost-sharing reductions
- Lower deductibles if you qualify
- Balanced premium & coverage
- Most-chosen tier nationwide
- Free preventive care
Best for: frequent care
~80% of costs covered
- Higher premium
- Lower deductible & copays
- Great for ongoing prescriptions
- Predictable out-of-pocket costs
- Free preventive care
Best for: maximum coverage
~90% of costs covered
- Highest premium
- Lowest deductible
- Best for chronic conditions
- Lowest out-of-pocket maximum
- Free preventive care
How the tiers compare
| Feature | Bronze | Silver | Gold | Platinum |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly premium | $ | $$ | $$$ | $$$$ |
| Deductible | Highest | High | Lower | Lowest |
| Plan pays (avg.) | ~60% | ~70% | ~80% | ~90% |
| Extra savings (CSR) | — | ✓ if eligible | — | — |
| Preventive care | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Pre-existing conditions | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered |
Percentages reflect the average share of costs a plan pays across a standard population (actuarial value), not your specific costs. Actual premiums and benefits vary by carrier, ZIP code, age, and income.
The 10 essential health benefits
By law, every ACA Marketplace plan covers these — no exceptions, no surprise gaps.
🩺
Doctor & outpatient care
Office visits, specialists, and ambulatory services.
🚑
Emergency services
ER visits without prior authorization or network penalties.
🏥
Hospitalization
Surgery, overnight stays, and inpatient care.
🤰
Pregnancy & newborn care
Maternity and infant care before and after birth.
🧠
Mental health & substance use
Counseling, therapy, and behavioral treatment.
💊
Prescription drugs
Coverage for a broad list of medications.
🧪
Lab services
Diagnostic testing and bloodwork.
🛡️
Preventive & wellness
Screenings, vaccines, and chronic-disease management at $0.
Plus rehabilitative services & devices and pediatric services including dental and vision for children.
Keep your doctors
Care That Travels With You
See the doctors you trust
Before you enroll, your agent checks that your preferred doctors and prescriptions are covered in-network — so there are no surprises. Every ACA plan also covers preventive visits and screenings at $0.
Dental, vision & supplemental plans
🦷
Dental insurance
Cleanings, fillings, and major work for adults. Add it alongside your health plan.
👓
Vision insurance
Eye exams, glasses, and contacts for the whole family.
➕
Supplemental plans
Accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity to fill the gaps.
Not sure which plan fits?
A licensed agent will compare every plan in your area — including subsidies — and recommend the best value for your budget. Free, no pressure.