Question: What is catastrophic coverage under ACA?

Answer: The affordable Care Act states that health benefit exchanges will be required to offer 4 tiers of coverage plans (bronze, silver, gold, and platinum) and a catastrophic plan. The catastrophic plan can be offered only in the individual exchange and only for young adults, those under age 30 before the plan year begins. These young adults must also be exempt from the individual mandate (to obtain insurance) because affordable coverage is not available or they have a hardship exemption.

The catastrophic plan will be the lowest priced health plan available within the guidelines of essential benefits. Catastrophic plans will have an actuarial value of less than 70% (bronze level).