Plans in the Marketplace are separated into categories — Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum — based on the amount of cost sharing they require. Cost sharing refers to health plan deductibles, co-pays and co-insurance. For most covered services, you will have to pay (or share) some of the cost, at least until you reach the annual out of pocket limit on cost sharing. Preventive health services, however, are covered without cost-sharing.

In the Marketplace, Bronze plans have the highest deductibles and other cost sharing. Silver plans require somewhat lower cost sharing. Gold plans have even lower cost sharing. And Platinum plans have the lowest deductibles, co-pays and other cost sharing. In general, plans with lower cost sharing have higher premiums, and vice versa.