The Covered California Bronze Plan covers about 60% of your annual medical costs on average and is the most affordable plan that still qualifies for premium assistance.
This plan features a low monthly premium and provides essential protection in the event of a major or catastrophic medical event. Without health coverage, a serious accident or hospitalization could result in bills totaling tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. With the Bronze Plan, your total annual expenses are capped at the plan’s out-of-pocket maximum (OOP Max) — the most you’ll pay in a year for covered services.
However, the trade-off for the lower premium is higher out-of-pocket costs when using medical services such as emergency care, x-rays, or specialist visits. Most non-preventive services are subject to the deductible, meaning you’ll pay the full cost for care until the deductible is met.
Highlights of the Bronze Plan
Standard Bronze Plan Benefits
The Standard Bronze Plan provides affordable access to essential medical services with simple, predictable copays. You’ll pay a flat rate ranging from $50 to $95 for the following types of visits:
- Primary care appointments
- Mental health therapy sessions
- Lab tests
- Urgent care visits
- Specialist consultations
Some services may have a limited number of visits available at the discounted copay rate before standard cost-sharing applies.
Note: The HSA Bronze Plan does not include these fixed copay benefits. It follows a high-deductible model, meaning most medical costs are paid out-of-pocket until the deductible is met.
Preventive Care Coverage
All Bronze Plans include free preventive services at no additional cost, such as:
- Annual physicals
- Screenings like mammograms and colonoscopies
- Well-baby and well-child checkups
- Immunizations and vaccines
These preventive benefits are designed to help you and your family stay healthy and catch potential issues early.
Pediatric Vision and Dental Benefits
Children 18 and under are automatically covered for basic preventive vision and dental care at no extra charge. This includes routine eye exams and standard cleanings, ensuring comprehensive wellness coverage for your child.
A Sister Plan with Tax Benefits
Covered California also offers the Bronze 60 HDHP/HSA, often called the “Sister Plan.”
HSA stands for Health Savings Account, a special account that lets you set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for qualified medical expenses.
With this plan, you can open a Health Savings Account (HSA) through a bank or financial institution of your choice. Your contributions are tax-deductible at the federal level, and the funds can be used for eligible medical costs such as doctor visits, prescriptions, and certain healthcare supplies.
Preventive Care Coverage
Just like the standard Bronze Plan, the HSA version includes free preventive services at no additional cost, such as:
- Annual physicals
- Screenings like mammograms and colonoscopies
- Well-baby and well-child checkups
- Immunizations and vaccines
This preventive coverage promotes overall wellness and ensures early detection of potential health issues.
All non-preventive services, however, are paid out-of-pocket until you reach your plan’s deductible and out-of-pocket maximum (OOP Max). Once the OOP Max is met, the plan covers 100% of eligible in-network medical costs for the rest of the year.
Is the Bronze 60 Plan Right for Me?
The Bronze 60 Plan may be a good fit if:
- You want a low monthly premium and are comfortable paying more when you need care.
- You prefer a high deductible plan primarily for catastrophic coverage.
- Your goal is to meet the Individual Mandate requirement without paying for higher-tier benefits.
- You’re in good health and typically use few medical services each year.
- You don’t take expensive prescription medications regularly.
- Your income qualifies for a subsidy but not for an Enhanced Silver Plan.
- Your income doesn’t qualify for a subsidy, and you’re age 50 or older — where Bronze Plan savings often exceed $100 per month compared to Silver.
This plan is ideal for those seeking affordable protection against major medical expenses while keeping monthly costs as low as possible.
What Types of Health Plans are Available?
