Consumers are getting their first glimpse at what health insurance will look like in California as the state prepares to implement the federal healthcare law. State officials are about to spell out the details on policies available next year to people buying their own coverage. In January 2014, most Americans will be required to have health insurance or face a penalty. Federal law established four broad plans of coverage — Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze — whose benefits vary based on the level of out-of-pocket expenses that consumers are required to pay. A Platinum plan, the most expensive, would require policyholders to pay about 10% of the cost of care, while the Bronze plan, the least expensive, pegs the patient share at 40% according to a recent story that ran in the Los Angeles Times.
