Which metal plan must a customer choose to qualify for cost-sharing reduction (CSR)?

To qualify for cost-sharing reductions (CSR), a customer must choose a Silver metal plan. CSR is designed to lower out-of-pocket costs like deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance for eligible individuals and families who enroll in a Silver plan through the health insurance marketplace.

The Silver plan serves as the only tier that provides this assistance; thus, customers seeking to reduce their healthcare expenses must select this specific level. Gold and Platinum plans typically have higher monthly premiums and are intended for individuals who may prefer to pay more upfront for lower out-of-pocket costs, but they do not offer cost-sharing reductions. Conversely, Bronze plans, while having the lowest premiums, offer less comprehensive coverage and do not provide the same level of cost-sharing support that Silver plans do. Therefore, the specifics of CSR eligibility are closely tied to the characteristics of Silver plans, making it essential for qualifying customers to choose a plan from this level.