Metal tier · ~70% actuarial value
Silver health plans
Silver plans have about 70% actuarial value on average across a standard population. Silver is also the only metal tier that provides cost-sharing reductions when marketplace eligibility rules are met.
When to compare a Silver plan
Compare Silver whenever cost-sharing-reduction eligibility may apply, and whenever you need a middle-tier reference against Bronze and Gold. HealthCare.gov or the state marketplace determines eligibility.
What to watch
If cost-sharing reductions apply, use the deductible, copays, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximum for the actual CSR variant—not an unadjusted Silver summary.
The benchmark used to calculate your subsidy is the second-lowest-cost Silver plan in your area — so Silver is the tier the whole subsidy math is built around.
Put Silver 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 "Silver" 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 Silver plan pays about 70%, 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 Silver plan a good deal for me?
If cost-sharing reductions apply, use the deductible, copays, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximum for the actual CSR variant—not an unadjusted Silver summary. 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.