This is incomplete. A bronze family plan will typically have a deductible of $6k for an individual, and 13k for the family, but it also has an out of pocket max of slightly over that, so once you meet the deductible that is all you pay. Also almost all bronze plans cover the first 3 doctor visits with a normal copay, and any preventive care has no copay. Gold and above plans typically do not have a deductible, and the out of pocket max is lower.
Many states have surprise billing laws to limit what bills you can receive from out of network providers.
> so once you meet the deductible that is all you pay
There are a lot of subsidized folks on the Bronze plans with zero ability to pay an unexpected $400 bill, let alone a $13k deductible. They're insured, but only technically.
> Also almost all bronze plans cover the first 3 doctor visits with a normal copay, and any preventive care has no copay.
Sure, but I'm referring to the sorts of bills that bankrupt people, not an annual physical.
Many states have surprise billing laws to limit what bills you can receive from out of network providers.