See what plans really cost in your state

Metal levels show how you and the plan share costs. They say nothing about the quality of care, only about how you pay for it:

- Bronze: the lowest premiums and the highest costs when you get care. Suits people who rarely see a doctor.

- Silver: middle-of-the-road premiums and costs. Only Silver plans can come with cost-sharing reductions, which lower deductibles and copays for eligible households.

- Gold: higher premiums and lower costs at the doctor. Good if you expect regular visits.

- Platinum: the highest premiums and the lowest costs when you get care. Best for frequent or costly treatment.

It depends on how much care you expect to use. Orchard shows premiums and deductibles next to each other so you can compare quickly.

If you rarely need care, a lower premium may cost less over the year than a higher level you will not fully use.

If you expect ongoing treatment or want steadier costs, a higher level can be the better value.

Most Marketplace enrollees receive some financial help.¹ It comes in a few forms:

- Premium tax credits: lower your monthly premium, based on income, household size and where you live.

- Cost-sharing reductions: lower your deductible, copays and out-of-pocket maximum when you choose an eligible Silver plan.

- State programs: some states add their own help on top of federal savings.

Orchard shows how each type of help applies to the plans you compare, so you see both your monthly price and your likely yearly cost.