What is an Actuarial value?

Actuarial value is the percentage of total average healthcare costs that a health plan is expected to pay for a standard population. Marketplace plans are grouped by this measure, with bronze plans covering roughly 60% of expected costs and leaving the remainder to the enrollee through deductibles and other cost-sharing. The figure helps consumers compare coverage levels at a glance and pairs naturally with planning for a Health savings account, since lower-value plans tend to carry high deductibles that now support tax-advantaged contributions for marketplace enrollees.