Under the ACA, individual/family health plans are classified into metal levels: Bronze, silver, and gold (platinum plans can also be offered, but generally aren’t). The classification is based on the actuarial value of a plan, which measures the percentage of costs the plan will pay across a standard population.
But there is also an option to offer “expanded” bronze plans that can have higher AV than regular bronze plans. In order to be considered expanded bronze, a plan must either:
- pay for at least one major service (other than preventive care) before the deductible, OR
- be an HSA-qualified high-deductible health plan
