Catastrophic plan
A low-premium, very high-deductible Marketplace plan available to certain younger people or those with a hardship exemption.
In plain English
Mostly a safety net for a serious accident or illness.
Why it matters when choosing a plan
It protects against worst cases but leaves most routine costs to you.
Related terms
Metal tiers (Bronze/Silver/Gold/Platinum)
Marketplace categories that show how a plan splits costs between you and the plan, from Bronze (you pay more when you get care) to Platinum (you pay less).
Deductible
Understanding how a deductible works is the first step toward mastering your personal finances and health coverage. In the United States insurance market, this term represents the specific dollar amount you must pay out of pocket for covered services before your insurance provider begins to pay its share.
Related guides and articles
ACA Marketplace guide: subsidies, metal tiers and enrollment periods
The Health Insurance Marketplace was created by the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to give individuals and families one place to compare plans and get help paying for them. If you don't have affordable coverage through a job, it's often the best place to start.