Choosing a plan · Under 30
Catastrophic health plans in Michigan: who can buy one, and are they cheaper?
Catastrophic plans are built to be the low-premium option. In Michigan’s 2026 prices, that wasn’t always true. Check before you buy.
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- Under 30 or hardship
- 3 primary visits before deductible
- HSA-compatible
Price Catastrophic vs. Bronze for me
Your info goes to Nexus only. Never sold. No pitch, no obligation.
What they cover
- The same 10 essential health benefits as other Marketplace plans, including preventive services at no cost.[1]
- At least 3 primary care visits a year before you meet the deductible.[1]
- They work with Health Savings Accounts.[1] See 2027 HSA limits.
Michigan, 2026: Catastrophic vs. the lowest Bronze
In 2026, 4 Catastrophic plans from 3 insurers were sold on HealthCare.gov in Michigan, with at least one available in 83 of 83 counties.[2] Full monthly price at age 27, before any tax credit:[2]
| County | Lowest Catastrophic | Lowest Bronze | Lower price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kent | $355.43 | $312.14 | Bronze |
| Wayne | $297.68 | $285.89 | Bronze |
| Oakland | $294.77 | $283.10 | Bronze |
| Washtenaw | $323.63 | $345.50 | Catastrophic |
| Ingham | $308.78 | $341.30 | Catastrophic |
| Kalamazoo | $345.55 | $346.06 | Catastrophic |
CMS plan year 2026 file, Michigan.[2] 2027 prices come out with Open Enrollment, November 1.[3]
In 3 of these 6 counties the lowest Bronze plan cost less than the lowest Catastrophic plan, before tax credits. Compare both. See Bronze vs. Silver and lowest-cost plans.
Sources
- HealthCare.gov, Catastrophic health plans. https://www.healthcare.gov/choose-a-plan/catastrophic-health-plans/
- 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
- HealthCare.gov, Dates and deadlines. https://www.healthcare.gov/quick-guide/dates-and-deadlines/
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
Who can buy a Catastrophic health plan?
People under 30, and people who qualify for a hardship or affordability exemption.
What does a Catastrophic plan cover?
The same 10 essential health benefits as other Marketplace plans, including free preventive care, and at least 3 primary care visits a year before the deductible.
Is a Catastrophic plan the cheapest option in Michigan?
Not always. In 2026, in 3 of 6 large Michigan counties the lowest full-price Bronze plan cost less than the lowest Catastrophic plan for a 27-year-old.
Can I have an HSA with a Catastrophic plan?
Yes. Catastrophic plans work with Health Savings Accounts.
Will you sell my information?
No. Your information goes to Nexus Benefit Solutions only and is never sold.