What is the default sort order of plans on the Plan Shopping Tool?

In the Plan Shopping Tool, the default sort order of plans is based on an estimate of expenses. This sorting prioritizes plans that provide a clearer view of the total expected costs a consumer might incur, taking into account not just premiums but the overall financial responsibility, including deductibles, co-pays, and other out-of-pocket expenses. By presenting plans in this way, users can better compare how much they might pay in total, ensuring that they make an informed choice based on their anticipated healthcare usage.

While premium costs are essential for evaluating affordability, primarily focusing on premiums alone may not give a complete picture of the actual costs a consumer will face throughout the year. Thus, beginning with an expenses estimate allows for a more comprehensive assessment of plans. The other sorting options, such as deductible or insurer name, may be relevant features, but they do not reflect the priority of understanding overall financial responsibility as effectively as expense estimates do.