Understand your coverage. Choose confidently.

Make confident coverage decisions

Whether you’re reviewing your current plan or exploring your options for next year, understanding premiums, deductibles, copays, and other healthcare costs can help you avoid surprises and get the most from your coverage.

Learn the basics of healthcare costs

Compare plan levels during Open Enrollment

 

Plan level Good fit if... Keep in mind

Platinum
  • You use care often
  • You want the lowest costs when you get care
  • You prefer more predictable costs
  • Usually has the highest monthly premium
  • May help lower surprise out-of-pocket costs

Gold
  • You expect regular doctor visits
  • You take prescriptions
  • You want lower costs when you get care
  • Monthly premium is often higher than Silver or Bronze
  • May be easier to budget for planned care

Silver
  • You want a balance between monthly cost and care costs
  • You qualify for financial help through Covered California
  • You want a middle-ground option
  • Review your subsidy and cost-sharing options before you renew
  • Your total cost may depend on how often you use care

Bronze
  • You want a lower monthly premium
  • You do not use care often
  • You want coverage for major or unexpected health needs
  • You may pay more when you get care
  • Good to compare estimated yearly costs, not just monthly premium

Look for these plan features

Some plans include special savings, benefits, or access options. As you compare plans, look for features that match your health needs, budget, and eligibility.

 

Feature to look for Good to know
Extra savings based on income
  • If you qualify, some Silver plans may lower your cost to get care.
  • These include Silver 73, Silver 87, and Silver 94 cost-sharing reduction plans.
  • Minimum Coverage PPO may also be available to eligible members.*
Expanded $0 virtual care benefits
  • Some PPO plans include expanded $0 virtual care benefits:
    • Silver 1850, Silver 2800 HDHP, and Bronze 7250
Nationwide healthcare access
  • Specific PPO plans may give you access to care nationwide:
    • Silver 1850, Silver 2800 HDHP, and Bronze 7250
Health Savings Account-compatible plans
  • All Bronze plans, Minimum Coverage PPO plan, and Silver 2800 HDHP PPO plan work with a Health Savings Account, also called an HSA.
  • An HSA lets you set aside pre-tax money to help pay for qualified health expenses.
Plans for American Indians and Alaska Natives
  • Some plans may offer special cost-sharing options for eligible American Indian and Alaska Native members.
  • Review eligibility details when comparing plans during Open Enrollment.
PPO network

Blue Shield of California’s PPO network is the largest in California. Our network offers flexibility in choosing providers, typically at a higher cost.

Trio HMO network

Blue Shield’s Trio HMO network has a smaller, curated network, which offers high-quality care at lower costs when used in-network.

 

If you’re happy with your current Trio HMO providers, you’re all set. If you expect to need specific specialists or facilities, a PPO plan may offer better access.

Use our Find a Doctor tool to explore providers and facilities in your network.†

PPO and Trio HMO plan comparison
Compare PPO plans
Download PPO PDF
Compare Trio HMO plans
Download Trio HMO PDF
Ready to compare your options?

Starting on 10/1, review your plan options during Open Enrollment and choose the coverage that best fits your health needs and budget for the year ahead.

* The Minimum Coverage PPO plan is available only to people under age 30, or those age 30 and above who can provide a certification that they are without affordable coverage or are experiencing financial hardship.

† We make efforts to ensure that our list of providers is current and accurate. However, because providers leave networks from time to time, this list is subject to change, and you are encouraged to check with the provider before using their services.