✓ Updated for the 2027 plan year · Last reviewed October 2026
Every Covered California plan is sorted into a metal tier — Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum — based on how much of your medical costs the plan covers on average. The metal name isn't about quality of care; it's about how you split costs with the insurer. A higher metal means a higher monthly premium but lower costs when you actually use care.
There's also a special set of enhanced Silver plans (Silver 94, 87, and 73) that give lower-income enrollees much richer coverage at the standard Silver premium. Below is the real 2027 cost-sharing breakdown for every tier, plus straight talk on which one tends to make sense for whom.
Lowest premium, highest out-of-pocket. Best for the healthy who want catastrophic protection and rarely see a doctor.
The benchmark tier. Standard Silver is middle-of-the-road — but if you qualify by income, enhanced Silver (below) is often the best value on the whole market.
Higher premium, low out-of-pocket, and typically no deductible. Strong for people who use regular care.
Highest premium, lowest costs when you use care. Best for those with ongoing or heavy medical needs.
Actual 2027 Covered California cost-sharing by tier. Enhanced Silver (94/87/73) is income-based — see our income limits page to check which you qualify for.
| Benefit | Bronze | Silver | Silver 73 | Silver 87 | Silver 94 | Gold | Platinum |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. cost covered | 60% | 70% | 73% | 87% | 94% | 80% | 90% |
| Medical Deductible (ind.) | $5,800 | $4,700 | $4,700 | $1,100 | $200 | None | None |
| Out-of-Pocket Max (ind.) | $11,650 | $11,650 | $9,600 | $4,000 | $3,000 | $9,600 | $5,500 |
| Primary Care Visit | $60* | $50 | $50 | $15 | $5 | $40 | $20 |
| Specialist Visit | $100* | $100 | $100 | $30 | $8 | $80 | $45 |
| Emergency Room | 40%* | $400 | $400 | $200 | $50 | $350 | $225 |
| Generic Drugs (Tier 1) | $20* | $20 | $20 | $10 | $3 | $19 | $10 |
* Bronze applies its deductible/full cost first for many services (after the first 3 non-preventive primary care visits). "None" deductible means covered services start paying immediately. Figures are the standard 2027 Covered California patient-centered benefit designs; specific plans and carriers may vary slightly.
Qualify for Silver 94 or 87 (it's income-based)? You get richer coverage than Platinum — as low as $5 doctor visits — at a Silver price. Most people who'd qualify never check.
Don't pick a tier by its benefits. Compare the extra premium of a higher tier against how much lower its out-of-pocket max really is.
Every Bronze plan is HSA-qualified now — pair one with a Health Savings Account and:
Not sure if an HSA fits your situation? Email us or start a chat — we'll show you how it could benefit you.
Covered California Metal Levels Explained - Watch on YouTube
You're healthy, rarely use care, want the lowest premium, and mainly want protection from a major medical event. Just confirm you don't qualify for enhanced Silver first.
Your income qualifies. This is often the best overall value — low premiums (after subsidy) AND low out-of-pocket. Don't leave this on the table.
You use regular care, want no deductible and predictable copays, and don't qualify for enhanced Silver. Often a better real-world value than standard Silver for frequent users.
You have ongoing or significant medical needs and want the lowest costs at the point of care, accepting a higher monthly premium.
The right tier depends on your income, your doctors, your prescriptions, and how often you use care — not just the premium. We compare all of this side by side, for free. See your actual plans and prices with a free quote, or check your income limits to see if you qualify for enhanced Silver.