Choosing a plan · 2027
Bronze vs. Silver in Michigan: which costs less for you?
Bronze has the lower premium. Silver can still be cheaper overall, especially if your income qualifies for extra savings. Here’s how to tell.
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- 60% vs. 70% plan share
- Silver extra savings
- Bronze now HSA-eligible
Compare Bronze and Silver for me
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The trade-off in one table
| Category | Plan pays (avg.) | Deductible |
|---|---|---|
| Bronze | 60% | High |
| Silver | 70% | Moderate |
| Silver with extra savings | 73%–96% | Low |
| Gold | 80% | Low |
Source: HealthCare.gov.[1]
Who gets Silver’s extra savings
Cost-sharing reductions are available only on Silver plans, to people whose income is within the eligible range (up to 250% of the poverty level).[2] With 2026 guidelines, that’s $39,900 for one person or $82,500 for a family of four.[3]
New: Bronze plans and HSAs
As of January 1, 2026, Bronze and Catastrophic plans bought through the Marketplace count as HSA-compatible, so you can contribute to a health savings account with them.[4]
The 2026 premium gap in Michigan
Full monthly price, age 40, non-smoker, before tax credits.[5]
| County | Lowest Bronze | Benchmark Silver | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kent | $356.39 | $471.47 | $115.08 |
| Wayne | $348.64 | $507.80 | $159.16 |
| Oakland | $345.23 | $507.18 | $161.95 |
| Genesee | $380.93 | $388.03 | $7.10 |
| Ingham | $416.21 | $448.22 | $32.01 |
| Saginaw | $400.90 | $632.60 | $231.70 |
Your tax credit is pegged to the benchmark Silver plan, so the after-credit gap can look very different.[6] 2027 prices aren’t out yet; insurers requested an average 14.2% increase.[7] More: lowest-cost plans.
Sources
- HealthCare.gov, The “metal” categories: Bronze, Silver, Gold & Platinum. https://www.healthcare.gov/choose-a-plan/plans-categories/
- HealthCare.gov, Cost-sharing reductions. https://www.healthcare.gov/lower-costs/save-on-out-of-pocket-costs/
- HHS ASPE, 2026 Poverty Guidelines (used for 2027 coverage). https://aspe.hhs.gov/topics/poverty-economic-mobility/poverty-guidelines
- IRS, Treasury, IRS provide guidance on new tax benefits for health savings account participants under the One, Big, Beautiful Bill. https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/treasury-irs-provide-guidance-on-new-tax-benefits-for-health-savings-account-participants-under-the-one-big-beautiful-bill
- CMS, QHP Landscape Individual Market Medical file, plan year 2026 (HealthCare.gov states), Michigan rows. https://data.healthcare.gov/datafile/py2026/individual_market_medical.zip
- IRS, Questions and answers on the premium tax credit. https://www.irs.gov/affordable-care-act/individuals-and-families/questions-and-answers-on-the-premium-tax-credit
- Michigan DIFS, 2027 Michigan Health Insurance Rate Change Requests, Individual Market (as filed, subject to DIFS approval), updated July 14, 2026. https://www.michigan.gov/difs/-/media/Project/Websites/difs/OIRF/EHB/PDFs/2027_Proposed_Rate_Changes.pdf
Checked October 16, 2026. 2027 Marketplace plans and final 2027 rates aren’t published yet; we’ll update this page when they are.
Frequently asked questions
Is Bronze or Silver better in Michigan?
It depends on income and expected care. Bronze has lower premiums and higher deductibles. If you qualify for cost-sharing reductions, Silver usually costs less overall.
Who qualifies for cost-sharing reductions?
People eligible for Marketplace savings with income up to 250% of the poverty level, and only on Silver plans. With 2026 guidelines that is $39,900 for one person.
Can I have an HSA with a Bronze plan?
Yes. As of January 1, 2026, Marketplace Bronze and Catastrophic plans are treated as HSA-compatible.
Will you sell my information?
No. Your information goes to Nexus Benefit Solutions only and is never sold.