Metal tier · ~80% actuarial value
Gold health plans
Gold plans have about 80% actuarial value on average across a standard population. The specific premium and cost-sharing design vary by plan and market.
When to compare a Gold plan
Compare Gold when expected use makes cost sharing especially important, but calculate the annual premium difference and verify the network and formulary before drawing a conclusion.
What to watch
A higher actuarial value does not guarantee a lower total cost for one household. Compare annual premium plus expected cost sharing using current plan terms.
Put Gold into the comparison brief
The brief gives you a comparison order and a plan-document checklist. It does not present fixture carriers, premiums, networks, formularies, or subsidies as live results. No name, email, or phone is required.
Common questions
What does "Gold" mean on a health plan?
Metal tiers describe actuarial value — the share of covered costs the plan pays on average across a standard population. A Gold plan pays about 80%, and you pay the rest through deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. It says nothing about quality of care, only how costs are split. Source: HealthCare.gov.
Is a Gold plan a good deal for me?
A higher actuarial value does not guarantee a lower total cost for one household. Compare annual premium plus expected cost sharing using current plan terms. Compare expected care, annual premium, deductible, copays and coinsurance, network, formulary, and the in-network out-of-pocket maximum using current plan documents. Source: HealthCare.gov.
Source: HealthCare.gov (metal tiers, actuarial value, cost-sharing reductions). Actuarial value is an average across a standard population, not your personal cost. General information, not financial advice; confirm plan specifics on HealthCare.gov or your state marketplace. Published January 2026 · Last reviewed: 2026.