With the Affordable Care Act, the federal government created four categories of coverage — metallic levels — for health plans offered to small businesses (2 — 50 employees) and for people who purchase their own insurance. Plans are assigned one of these metallic levels based on what percentage of the cost of health care services is covered by the health insurance company. These categories — bronze, silver, gold, and platinum — make it easier for you to compare health plans across health insurance companies. All products cover Essential Health Benefits like doctor visits, prescription drugs, X-rays, and hospital stays. The major differences are in what you pay when you need these services and the monthly cost of the health plan. Learn more.