Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSR)

Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSR) are only available when you enroll in a Silver plan through the ACA marketplace. They increase the plan's actuarial value without increasing your monthly premium. At 100-150% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), a standard 70% Silver plan is enhanced to 94% actuarial value (comparable to Platinum). At 150-200% FPL, it becomes 87%. At 200-250% FPL, it becomes 73%. This makes Silver plans uniquely valuable for lower-income enrollees because they get Gold or Platinum-level cost sharing at Silver-tier premiums. CSR is a key reason financial advisors often recommend Silver plans for people in this income range, even when Bronze premiums are lower.