Say Goodbye to Mom and Dad’s Health Plan: How to Get Your Own Insurance at 26

Introduction

Most young adults are covered under their parent’s health insurance plan until they turn 26 years old. This provision allows young people to stay on their parent’s plan after finishing school and as they transition into the workforce or pursue additional education. Having health insurance during this time provides important protection against unexpected injuries or illnesses.

However, once an individual turns 26, they can no longer remain on their parent’s health plan. At that point, young adults have to obtain their own health insurance coverage. This transition can feel daunting, especially if someone hasn’t needed to shop for and secure their own insurance previously. But with some preparation and understanding of the options, the process doesn’t have to be difficult.

Losing Coverage

Most young adults are covered under their parent’s health insurance plan until they turn 26 years old. This is thanks to the Affordable Care Act, which allows children to remain on a parent’s plan until age 26.

Once you turn 26, you can no longer remain on a parent’s health insurance policy. This is known as “aging out” of a health insurance plan. You will lose coverage under your parent’s plan on the first day of the month after you turn 26. For example, if your birthday is May 15th, you would lose coverage on June 1st.

Losing coverage under a parent’s plan can be an uncertain time. Many young adults may not know where to begin when it comes to finding new coverage. It’s important to start planning for new health insurance a few months before turning 26 to avoid any gaps in coverage.

When you do lose coverage under a parent’s plan, you have a couple of options to gain coverage again:

• Enroll in a health insurance plan through your job if your employer offers coverage.
• Purchase a private individual health insurance plan directly through an insurance company or the Healthcare.gov marketplace.
• Enroll in Medicaid or CHIP if you qualify based on income.
• Enroll in COBRA for 36 months to continue the same coverage if you can afford the premiums without an employer subsidy.

The key is avoiding any gaps in health coverage, which can cause financial risks and disruptions in care access. With some planning and comparison shopping, you can secure new, affordable coverage before getting dropped from a parent’s insurance policy.

Finding New Coverage

Once you lose coverage under your parent’s health insurance plan, you’ll need to find a new plan to enroll in to maintain continuous coverage. There are several options to explore:

Health Insurance Marketplace

The health insurance marketplace offers plans from major medical insurers that you can compare side-by-side. The marketplace plans are organized into metal tiers—bronze, silver, gold, and platinum—that indicate the level of coverage. Bronze plans have lower premiums but higher out-of-pocket costs when you receive care. On the other end, platinum plans have higher premiums but lower deductibles and copays.

The marketplace allows you to see if you qualify for financial assistance to lower your monthly premiums or out-of-pocket expenses. Depending on your income level, you may be eligible for premium tax credits, cost-sharing reductions, or Medicaid coverage. The enrollment process is done online through the federal or your state’s marketplace portal.

Employer Insurance

Getting health insurance through your job is a common option for young adults. Many employers subsidize a portion of employees’ premiums to make coverage more affordable. Job-based plans often have large provider networks, so you can keep seeing your current doctors.

If your employer doesn’t offer health benefits, you may be able to get added to your spouse or partner’s plan. Just note that switching to an employer plan means you’ll need to change doctors unless they are in-network.

Private Insurance

You can buy health insurance directly from private insurers or brokers instead of going through the marketplace. This gives you more flexibility around plan design and benefits. But you won’t qualify for financial help like tax credits or subsidies.

Short-term, limited-duration health plans are an affordable temporary option while you’re between jobs or waiting for marketplace enrollment. Just know they don’t cover pre-existing conditions or essential health benefits. They’re intended as a stopgap in between more comprehensive major medical coverage.

Comparing Plans

When choosing a new health insurance plan, you’ll want to look at several key factors to find the right coverage for your needs and budget. The main types of plans to consider are HMO, PPO, and HDHP.

HMO (Health Maintenance Organization)

• Tend to have lower premiums
• Require you to have a primary care doctor who coordinates your care within the HMO network.
• Require referrals from your primary care doctor to see specialists
• Generally, it won’t cover out-of-network care except in emergencies.

PPO (Preferred Provider Organization)

• Allow you to see any doctor without a referral
• Charge higher premiums and out-of-pocket costs
• Cover out-of-network care, but you pay more of the cost.

HDHP (High Deductible Health Plan)

• Lower monthly premiums but a high deductible you must pay before coverage kicks in
• Often paired with a Health Savings Account (HSA) for tax-free savings to cover medical expenses.

When comparing plans, look closely at the deductible, which is what you pay out-of-pocket before insurance covers costs. Also, check the copays and coinsurance rates for services like doctor visits, prescriptions, hospital stays, etc.

It’s also key to check which doctors and hospitals are in-network to avoid higher costs for out-of-network care. Use online provider directories to search for your current doctors.

Choosing the right balance of premiums, deductibles, and coverage will help you find an affordable plan that meets your healthcare needs.

Financial Assistance

Getting health insurance on your own can be expensive, but there are options to help make coverage more affordable. Three major forms of financial assistance are available: tax credits, subsidies, and Medicaid expansion.

Tax Credits

One way to lower your monthly premium is with premium tax credits. These tax credits can be taken in advance to directly reduce how much you pay for your plan each month. The size of your tax credit is determined by your income level and the cost of insurance in your area. To qualify, your income must be between 100-400% of the federal poverty level. Tax credits can be claimed when enrolling through the Health Insurance Marketplace.

Subsidies

Another form of financial help is cost-sharing subsidies. These subsidies lower the out-of-pocket costs for deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance for certain silver-level Marketplace plans. To qualify for cost-sharing subsidies, your income must be between 100-250% of the federal poverty level. These subsidies are only available when enrolling in silver plans on the Marketplace.

Medicaid Expansion

Some states have expanded Medicaid eligibility requirements under the Affordable Care Act. In expansion states, you may qualify for Medicaid based on your income level, even if you don’t have dependents or a disability. This provides a very low-cost government insurance option for those who meet the income guidelines in their state. Check if your state has expanded Medicaid and see if you might qualify.

Looking into financial assistance options like tax credits, subsidies, and Medicaid can make health insurance more affordable. Do your research to see what help you may be eligible for. Getting insured is important, even on a limited budget.

Choosing a Plan

When it comes time to choose a new health insurance plan, you’ll want to carefully evaluate all of your options to find the right fit. Here are some tips for selecting the best plan:

• Determine your needs. Make a list of any medical services or medications you require regularly, along with estimated costs, if possible. This will give you an idea of what kind of coverage you’ll need.
• Compare plan types. Health insurance plans generally fall into categories like HMO, PPO, POS, and HDHPs. Research the differences to determine which type suits your needs. PPOs offer more flexibility but cost more, while HMOs have lower premiums but restrictive networks.
• Look at the provider’s network. Make sure the plan’s network includes your existing doctors, specialists, hospitals, and pharmacies. Search provider directories to confirm they are in-network and accepting new patients.
• Review the covered services. Carefully examine which services are covered, along with any limitations or exclusions. Pay special attention to frequent expenses like prescription drugs, mental health services, or physical therapy.
• Understand cost-sharing. Look at premiums, deductibles, copays, and coinsurance to estimate your total potential costs. Consider your expected healthcare usage and budget to determine affordable options.
• Compare the extra benefits. Some plans offer additional benefits like dental, vision, wellness programs, or telehealth services. Decide if these extras are worth higher premiums for your needs.
• Read the plan ratings. Consult resources like NCQA rankings or online reviews to evaluate quality, customer satisfaction, and value. Higher-rated plans may provide better coverage and service.
• Ask about subsidies. If your income is below a certain level, you may qualify for government subsidies, reducing your premiums and out-of-pocket costs. Inquire about assistance.

With thorough research and comparisons, you can feel confident choosing the optimal health plan on your own. Consider your unique healthcare situation and finances to make the best selection.

Enrolling in a Plan

Enrolling in a health insurance plan on your own for the first time can seem daunting, but it’s an important step in taking control of your healthcare. Here’s what you need to know about enrolling:

How to Enroll

• Shop for plans during open enrollment through the health insurance marketplace in your state. You can browse plans and pricing on the marketplace website.
• You may also be able to enroll directly through an insurance company or broker. Compare all of your options.
• To enroll, you’ll fill out an application with your personal information, like age, location, income, and household size. This is how the marketplace or insurer will determine your eligibility and subsidies.
• Choose a health insurance plan that fits your budget and healthcare needs. Select an individual or family plan if you have dependents.
• Finalize enrollment by selecting a plan and paying your first monthly premium if required. Print or save the confirmation of your enrollment.

Enrollment Deadlines

• Open enrollment usually runs from November 1 to December 15 for coverage starting January 1.
• There are special enrollment periods if you have a major life event like getting married, having a baby, or losing other coverage. You typically have 60 days from the event to enroll.
• Make sure to enroll by the deadline! Missing it means waiting until the next open enrollment period.

Documentation Needed

• Social Security numbers for all household members enrolling
• Employer and income information for all household members
• Policy numbers of any current health insurance plans covering members
• Information about any qualifying life events for the special enrollment period

Following the steps above will guide you through picking and enrolling in the right health insurance plan. Act quickly once you are eligible to make sure you have continuous coverage.

Making Payments

Once you’ve selected a health insurance plan, you need to figure out how to pay for it. There are a few options for making your monthly premium payments:

• Automatic bank draft – Many insurers allow you to set up automatic payments from your bank account each month. This ensures your payment is made on time. Just be sure you have enough in your account to cover the draft.
• Online bill pay – Most insurance company websites allow you to pay your monthly premium online. You can pay by debit/credit card or bank transfer. This is a convenient option if you prefer to manually initiate payments each month.
• Mail a check – While less common these days, you can still mail a physical check to your insurance company each month. Be sure to mail it with enough time to arrive before the due date.
• Pay in person – Some insurers allow you to pay your premium in person at a local agent or office. This ensures immediate payment confirmation.

When it comes to premium payment strategies, here are some tips:

• See if your employer will deduct premiums from your paycheck. This automatically pays each month.
• Sign up for auto-pay to avoid late payments and lapses in coverage.
• Pay a larger amount upfront if possible to lower your monthly costs.
• Check if you qualify for subsidies to reduce your premiums.
• See if there are discounts for paying annually or semi-annually rather than monthly.
• Contact your insurer if you’re struggling to make payments. They may offer modified plans or payment arrangements.

Paying your health insurance premiums takes some planning, but setting up a reliable system will give you peace of mind knowing your coverage continues uninterrupted.

Using Your New Plan

Now that you’ve chosen and enrolled in a health insurance plan, it’s time to start using your coverage. Here are some key things to understand:

Deductibles

Your deductible is the amount you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket before your insurance starts contributing. For example, if your deductible is $1,000, you’ll pay 100% of costs until you hit $1,000. After that, you’ll start paying copays or coinsurance while your insurance covers the rest.

It’s important to be aware of your deductible amount so you aren’t surprised by healthcare bills. You can typically find this info on your insurance ID card or by checking your plan details online.

Copays vs Coinsurance

Once you meet your deductible, you’ll start making copays or coinsurance for services.

• A copay is a flat fee per visit or service, like $25 to see a primary care doctor.
• Coinsurance is a percentage of the total cost, like 20% of a hospital bill.

Knowing your copays and coinsurance percentages will help you estimate what you’ll owe for different healthcare services. These amounts can vary widely between different plans.

Provider Networks

Your plan likely has a network of preferred doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies. Staying in-network can save you money since out-of-network care often has higher deductibles and cost-sharing.

Check that your healthcare providers are in-network before making appointments to avoid unexpected charges. You can find network information on your insurance company’s website or on the back of your insurance card.

Following these tips will help you maximize your new health insurance coverage. Don’t be afraid to call your insurance company if you have any other questions!

Transitioning Tips

Moving from your parent’s health insurance to your own plan can involve some key steps to ensure a smooth transition. Here are some tips:

• Stay organized. Keep records of your old insurance plan information, like member IDs and policy numbers. Have paperwork handy for your new plan, like insurance cards and benefit summaries. Maintain a file with health records and information on current medications and doctors.
• Complete healthcare tasks. Schedule any appointments or procedures before old coverage ends. Refill long-term prescriptions. Ask current doctors to transfer records to new providers. Get copies of medical records from previous doctors or facilities.
• Talk to doctors. Inform current healthcare providers about the change in insurance. Ask if they accept your new plan. If not, request referrals to in-network doctors. Discuss how to continue any current treatment plans.
• Understand new coverage. Review what’s covered by your new insurance and any costs like co-pays or deductibles. Know the insurer’s procedures for referrals, pre-approvals, and claims.
• Update info. Provide your new insurance information to healthcare providers, pharmacies, employers, or schools, if relevant. Set up an online account with your insurer to access plan details.
• Get preventive care. Schedule checkups, screenings, or immunizations covered under your new policy. Take advantage of wellness benefits if offered.

Planning ahead and communicating with healthcare providers can minimize disruption as you transition to your own health insurance. Being proactive will ensure you understand your new coverage and can access care smoothly.