The federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act established Covered California,
a health insurance marketplace in the U.S. state of California (ACA). The exchange
allows eligible people and small companies to buy private health insurance at
subsidized rates from the federal government. It is managed by a California government
department that is independent.
Levels of Coverage
There are four alternatives, each of which will influence how much a customer pays.
Bronze level: The health plan pays 60% of covered health-care costs on
average; the consumer pays 40%.
Silver level: The health plan pays 70% of covered health-care costs on average;
the consumer pays 30%.
Gold level: On average, the health plan covers 80% of covered health-care costs,
while the consumer is responsible for 20%.
Platinum level: The health plan pays 90% of covered health-care costs on
average; the consumer pays 10%.
Minimum coverage plan (worst case scenario): This is an alternative if the
consumer is under 30 and cannot pay the other plans. It covers three
appointments with no out-of-pocket expenses and includes free preventative
care. Until the user spends $8,150, the services will be at full price. The services
are then totally covered by the health plan.