Catastrophic vs. Bronze health insurance plans
Two low-premium plans, one important difference
Generally, Catastrophic and Bronze plans are types of individual and family health plans with the lowest premiums sold on and off Pennie (i.e., Pennsylvania’s own state insurance marketplace). These plans cover essential health benefits including no-cost in-network preventive care. The differences that matter are who can enroll, what you pay when you get healthcare services, and what financial help you may be eligible for.
Use this page to compare the two plan types and decide which is the best fit for your healthcare needs.
Explore bronze plans
Capital Blue Cross doesn’t offer Catastrophic plans, but we offer several Bronze plan options for individuals and families across our 21-county service area.
Both plan types cover essential health services including in-network preventive care at no cost share.
Bronze plans
- Open to anyone eligible for coverage, with no age limit.
- Low monthly premium and high deductible.
- Premium assistance may be available when you enroll through Pennie.
- Many services have a copay before you meet your deductible, depending on your plan.
- More plan options to choose from.
Catastrophic plans
- Limited to people under 30 or those qualified for a hardship or affordability exemption.
- Lowest monthly premiums and the highest deductibles.
- All non-preventive covered services are subject to the deductible first.
- Not eligible for government subsidies such as premium and cost-sharing reductions.
Can you enroll in a Catastrophic plan?
You are under 30. You can enroll in a Catastrophic plan if one is offered where you live.
You are 30 or older. Only if you get approved for a hardship or affordability exemption before enrolling. See how exemptions work.
Any age. You should consider plans other than Catastrophic plans.
What should you consider about cost?
The deductible is only part of the picture. You should also consider other out-of-pocket expenses you may pay for medical services.
For example, Catastrophic plans generally apply a deductible to all covered non-preventive services. But these plans have the same deductible and maximum out-of-pocket, which means that you will meet the maximum out-of-pocket amount when you satisfy the plan’s deductible.
Bronze plans generally have both a deductible and copays. Additionally, copays may apply to many of the covered non-preventive services. This may mean it takes longer to reach the out-of-pocket maximum, but copays may result in a lower cost at the time of service.
Because of these and other differences, it is very important for you to review and understand each plan type’s benefit details. Review any plan documents before enrolling.
Financial help applies to Bronze, not Catastrophic
Premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions are government subsidies that are not available for a Catastrophic plan. To take advantage of these savings, you’ll need to enroll in a Bronze plan through Pennie. Depending on your eligibility, a Bronze plan could cost less each month than a Catastrophic plan.
See if you qualify for savings.
Why choose a Bronze plan?
- More affordable if marketplace savings through Pennie apply.
- Potentially lower out-of-pocket costs because Bronze deductibles are generally lower than Catastrophic deductibles.
- Better value if you need more doctor visits, prescriptions, or ongoing care.
- Available to all eligible individuals without age restrictions.
- Catastrophic plan eligibility will end when you turn 30, which means you will have to consider a different plan.
- A good option if you want to balance affordability and protection from expensive healthcare.
- More choices because Bronze plans have a wider range of options than Catastrophic plans.
When a Catastrophic plan makes sense
A Catastrophic plan may be worth considering if you are under 30, rarely use care beyond preventive visits, and aren’t eligible for government subsidies.
A Bronze or Silver plan may be a better value if you qualify for subsidies through Pennie.
So, it’s important to consider your total healthcare costs for the year, not just the premium.
Need help shopping?
Have questions or need help choosing an individual or family health plan? Call Call 800.451.1181 for assistance.
You can also walk in or schedule an appointment at a Capital Blue Cross Connect health and wellness center.
Quick quote
Use our quick quote tool to estimate your monthly premium for Bronze and other plan options.
When you can enroll
You can enroll during the annual Open Enrollment Period starting on November 1, or at any time of year if a qualifying life event gives you a Special Enrollment Period.
FAQ
What is a Catastrophic health insurance plan?
A marketplace plan with the lowest monthly premiums and a very high deductible. Catastrophic plans cover essential health benefits including in-network preventive care at no cost, and at least three primary care visits per year before the deductible. You pay for most other care until you meet the deductible.
Can I get a Catastrophic plan if I am over 30?
Possibly. You would need to qualify for a hardship or affordability exemption, if a Catastrophic plan is available in your area.
Can I use a premium tax credit with a Catastrophic plan?
No. Savings through government subsidies are not available for a Catastrophic plan. If you qualify for subsidies, consider a Bronze or Silver plan instead.
Do Catastrophic and Bronze plans cover preventive care?
Yes. Both plan types cover all essential health services including in-network preventive care at no cost.
Does Capital Blue Cross offer Catastrophic plans?
Capital Blue Cross does not currently offer Catastrophic plans. But we have many Bronze, Silver, and Gold plan options for individuals and families across our service area.
Explore more resources
ACA marketplace health plans: Learn how Bronze, Silver, and Gold plans work and what each tier could mean for your costs.
Financial help: See if you qualify for premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions through Pennie.
Plan documents: Review benefit summaries for the plans offered in your county.
Understanding health insurance: Read about deductibles, copays, and coinsurance, explained in plain language.