Medical Expense✓ Verified · outline & fact-checked · Sep 2026Difficulty 3/5
A consumer whose household income is between 138% and 250% of the federal poverty level may qualify for cost-sharing reductions (CSR) that lower deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. To receive these reductions, the consumer must enroll in:
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Answer & full 3-part explanation (select an option above, or peek)
Why A is correct
Cost-sharing reductions (CSRs) lower the deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance a consumer must pay, but they are available only to enrollees who select a Silver-level plan on the exchange. Eligibility is based on household income between 138% and 250% of the federal poverty level. The benefit is delivered by reducing the plan's cost sharing beyond what the silver metal tier would normally require. Because the plan must be a Silver plan and income must fall within the band, a Bronze, Platinum, or catastrophic plan does not qualify for CSR.
Why the other options are wrong
- B) A Bronze plan has the lowest actuarial value and is not the vehicle for CSR; the reductions are tied specifically to Silver plans.
- C) A Platinum plan already has very low cost sharing, and CSR is not offered on platinum plans regardless of income.
- D) CSR applies only to Silver plans; catastrophic and other metal tiers do not carry the cost-sharing reductions.
Memory hook
CSR only shines on Silver. 138-250% income, silver plan, lower bills.