While there are measurable differences between the two tiers, bronze and catastrophic plans cover all 10 categories of 'essential health services' and basic preventive health services.
In the state-run health insurance marketplaces, the government-approved health insurance plans are divided into five tiers: platinum, gold, silver, bronze and catastrophic. Analysts expect young adults to gravitate toward the bronze and catastrophic plans, which are the lowest-cost options.
Both the bronze and the catastrophic plans cover basic preventive health services, including cholesterol tests, immunizations and screenings for depression and alcoholism ( a full list is here). Both also cover, to varying degrees, all 10 categories of 'essential health services': hospitalizations, emergency services, ambulatory (outpatient care) services, some maternity and newborn care, pediatric care, vision and dental care for children, mental health and behavioral health treatment, rehabilitative and habilitative services and devices, laboratory services and chronic care services.
There are some key differences between these two tiers, however. This chart can help you decide which plan may be right for you.
Bronze Plans Catastrophic Plans* Covered services
Covers 60 percent of health care costs for the average person and specified preventive services at no cost.
Covers three primary care visits and specified preventive services before the deductible. Only covers additional services after the plan deductible - $6,600 for an individual plan or $13,200 for a family plan - has been met.
*Source: younginvincibles.org
Chart by Kimberly Leonard, U.S. News staff
Updated on Nov. 14, 2014: This article was originally published on Aug. 28 2013.
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