Health Insurance Basics: Tiers, Networks & Open Enrollment
Bronze to Platinum, HMO vs. PPO, deductibles and the deadlines that matter.
Health plans are grouped into metal tiers — Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum — that describe how you and the plan split costs. Bronze has the lowest premium but the highest out-of-pocket costs; Platinum is the reverse.
Networks: HMO vs. PPO
HMOs are cheaper but keep you in-network and usually require referrals. PPOs cost more and offer flexibility to see specialists and out-of-network providers. Always check that your doctors and medications are covered.
The numbers that matter
Watch the premium, the deductible, the out-of-pocket maximum, and copays. A low premium with a sky-high deductible can cost more if you actually use care.
Mind the deadlines
Open enrollment is the main window to choose or change a plan. Outside it, you generally need a qualifying life event — a move, marriage, new baby, or loss of other coverage.
