WebMD answers questions about insurance options in a state's Marketplace, including an explanation of bronze, silver, gold, and platinum plans.
A health insurance Marketplace, also known as an Exchange, is where you can shop for and compare insurance plans in your state. You can do it online, through an insurance broker, or by phone. Your state's Marketplace has tools to help you compare your choices and pick the plan you need.
In general, the more you pay in monthly premiums, the less you pay out of your own pocket each time you go for a health care service or to pick up a prescription. A premium is what you pay each month to have insurance.
The amount you pay each time you see your doctor or get a prescription (your "out-of-pocket" cost) is the highest among the different plan levels. But, with a bronze plan, you also generally pay the lowest premium each month, compared with other metal plans.
Compared with the other plan levels, you are likely to pay less each time you see your doctor or get a prescription. But with a platinum plan, you'll also pay the highest monthly premium.
When choosing a new health plan, you should compare the out-of-pocket costs you pay, the services provided, including prescription drugs, which doctors and hospitals are in your plan, and changes you expect in your health.
Erie Insurance reports making steady progress in restoring its computer systems, which have been offline since its information security team identified unusual activity on June 7.
