Under the Affordable Care Act, a young adult can stay on a parent's health plan until turning 26. That's true whether you're in school, working, married, or living on your own. Then it ends, and you need your own coverage.
The good news is that this is a predictable event, so you can plan for it.
When does coverage actually end?
The rule is about your 26th birthday, but plans differ on the exact date. Some end coverage on your birthday, others at the end of that month, and some at the end of the plan year. Call the plan or check the member portal and write down the exact date.
How long do you have to pick a new plan?
Losing coverage because you age out gives you a special enrollment period for a Marketplace plan, usually 60 days after coverage ends. You can also apply up to 60 days before it ends, which lets you avoid a gap. If you're offered coverage through a job, that plan usually has its own, shorter window, often around 30 days, so ask HR right away.
Your options
- Your employer's plan. If you have a job that offers coverage, compare the cost of your share against the other options.
- A Marketplace plan. These accept everyone regardless of health history. Premium help depends on your income.
- A private PPO plan. These often have broader networks and some have no deductible. They ask health questions, and they can limit or exclude coverage for conditions you already have.
- A student plan. If you're a college or graduate student, your school or a carrier may offer one. See our page on student and graduate health insurance.
How to choose
Most people in their twenties start with price, which makes sense. Two other things deserve a look before you pick the cheapest one:
- The deductible. A low monthly premium with a high deductible means you pay most costs yourself until you hit it. A plan with a higher premium and a $0 deductible can come out ahead if you see doctors regularly.
- Where you'll be. If you're moving for a job or school, check that the plan works where you'll live.
Also check that your doctors, your pharmacy, and your nearest urgent care are in the network. We wrote a short guide on how to check a doctor's network.
Avoid a gap
The most expensive mistake is a gap in coverage. Pick the date your new plan starts so it begins the day your old one ends, and pay the first premium by your insurer's deadline. If you're within a few months of your birthday, start now.
This article is general information, not a guarantee of coverage or pricing. Plan availability, benefits, and eligibility vary by state and individual. Some private plans are medically underwritten and do not include all ACA essential health benefits.