Turning 26: Your Health Insurance Options After Aging Off a Parent's Plan
Federal law lets most young adults stay on a parent's health plan until they turn 26. After that, you need your own coverage. A little planning keeps you from losing coverage with nothing lined up.
When does the coverage end?
It depends on the plan. Some end on your 26th birthday and others at the end of that month. Call your parent's insurer or check the plan documents to get the exact date.
Your options
- An employer plan. If your job offers coverage, losing your parent's plan usually lets you enroll outside the normal window. These windows are often short, around 30 days, so check with HR.
- A Marketplace (ACA) plan. Losing coverage at 26 generally opens a special enrollment period, commonly 60 days. Depending on your income, you may qualify for premium help.
- A school plan. If you're a student, your school may offer one.
- A private plan. These can cost less but work differently from ACA plans, so it's important to understand what is and isn't covered.
- Medicaid. Depending on your state and income, you may qualify.
What to compare
- Whether your current doctors and prescriptions are covered
- Monthly cost versus deductible and out-of-pocket costs
- What the plan limits or doesn't cover
- The exact start date, so there's no gap
Start early
Begin looking one to two months before your birthday. That gives you time to compare options and get enrolled before your coverage ends.
About private plans: Private health plans are not ACA-compliant major medical plans. Benefits, exclusions, limits and underwriting vary by plan, they may not cover pre-existing conditions or all essential health benefits, and they are not eligible for ACA premium subsidies. Kyle explains exactly what a plan does and does not cover before you decide, and you should read the plan documents.
