ObamaCare Bronze Plan Details
ObamaCare’s Healthcare Exchange begins January 1, 2014. All new “metal” plans must cover the same ObamaCare essential benefits, however this allows each state and/or provider to interpret the essential benefits in order to offer additional or extended coverage. The Bronze Plan has an actuarial (means this value may change dependent if you fall below 400% of the Federal Poverty Line (FPL)) value of 60%, which means that after your deductible has been met you pay 40% of medical expenses. Bronze is set up to have the lowest monthly premium*, with the highest out-of-pocket costs (combination of copayment, deductible, and coinsurance). Click here to compare Bronze Plan, Silver Plan, Gold Plan, and the Platinum Plan side-by-side.
*There is also Healthcare Exchange Catastrophic coverage, only available to those under thirty, who do not qualify for subsidies, and in good health.
Below is the most up-to-date information available, as the federal and state governments work to fine tune the details of these plans we will update this article.
Bronze Plans*
These Bronze plans are specific to individual and family members. Click here to learn about how the Bronze plan works for ObamaCare: Small Business Employers and Employees.
| Benefits | Bronze Health Plan* |
| Deductible | $5,000 Med/Rx |
| Preventive | $0 |
| Doctor’s Office Visits | $60 per first 3 |
| Specialist | $70 *after deduct |
| Generic Rx | $19 *after deduct |
| Brand RX | $50 *after deductible |
| Lab Testing | 30% *after deduct |
| X-ray | 30% *after deduct |
| Maternity | 30% *after deduct |
| Out-patient Surgery | 30% *after deduct |
| Hospital Stay | 30% *after deduct |
| ER Visit | $300 *after deduct |
| Urgent Care | $120 *after deduct |
| Out-of-Pocket Max | $6,350/$12,700 (ind/fam) |
*California was the first to release its Healthcare Exchange details and much of information we know so far is based on their figures. CHART UPDATED 9/26/13. For information about specific details of the Bronze health plan in your state call 800-930-7956.
UPDATE 11/27/13: For an easy way to fill out your Affordable Care Act application go to Healthapplication.com. Remember to fill it out and send it in as soon as possible to ensure the earliest enrollment date.
How Much is the Bronze Premium?
Premiums depend on age, state, provider, region, and whether you qualify for a federal premium exchange subsidy. With California’s numbers being the first available their average Bronze plan for a 21 year old is $177 without subsidies, but can be as low as $5 a month, and their average Bronze plan for a 40 year old is $226, and may go as low as $1 a month.
Comparing Bronze Plans to Other Metal Plans
The Bronze Plan will offer the lowest monthly premium, however you will pay the most in shared costs if you get injured or have a major medical issue.
Open enrollment period is from October 1, 2013 to March 31, 2014. For questions about the Bronze Plan in your state please contact Medicoverage.
Comments and Questions
Click to leave a CommentComment from kmccune on November 22, 2014
Folks the 8% Sounded alright on the ACA-BUT EVEN FOR THE VITUALLY WORTHLESS "BRONZECARE" the monthly premium exceeds way over 8% of my annual wages before taxes(Huh-what gives?) a plot to make me poorer?
Comment from Michael Petrie on December 06, 2013
Still dont have money for coverage
cant afford monthly premium
dont have 5 grand
This system is an insult to me, keep out of my personal afairs, leave me alone
Comment from Ava Snow on October 30, 2013
I'm horrified at the deductibles I will have to pay. I can't even afford the $300 plus dollars a month. Now I must decide what more my children need to go without because I have to get insurance that I can't afford and then can't afford to use. Is the 94 dollar fine a one time charge each year or month? Because I rather pay the fine and go to the CVS clinic when I'm ill.
MEDICOVERAGE AGENT RESPONSE
Ava,
We understand your frustration. Bronze does have a pretty high deductible, but check out a Silver plan to see a lower deductible plan.
The penalty is a one time tax charge, however it is $95 OR 1% of your income -whichever is higher. Rather than opting for the penalty, there are many options for low to moderate income households to help pay the monthly premium or even help pay for the deductible. Call 800-930-7956 to see if you qualify for assistance.
-Kelly from http://www.medicoverage.com
Comment from Matt on October 23, 2013
$200 a month and a $5000 deductible? I'm not paying $2400 a year and paying cash for everything until I hit $5000.
MEDICOVERAGE AGENT RESPONSE
Matt,
Check out the silver plan. Often times Silver cost slightly more each month but offers many services without requiring a deductible.
Also, we'd like to stress to our readers and clients that they should wait until the glitches are worked out before enrolling in a plan. Give us a call to let us help you find a plan that best suits you at 800-930-7956.
-Kelly at Medicoverage.com
Comment from Judy on October 20, 2013
I guess I'll quit my job and live off the backs of others... sure as heck can't afford to be healthy
Comment from Brandon sanders on September 06, 2013
Screw Obamacare!!!!