Young Adults and Students

I’m covered on my parent’s health plan but I’m turning 26 soon and won’t be eligible to stay on their plan. What are my options?

You should act now to review your coverage options and sign up for new coverage.

If you are employed, find out if your employer offers health insurance and if you qualify.

If your parent gets their insurance through an employer that has at least 20 workers, you may be able to continue that coverage (known as COBRA) for up to 3 years. COBRA is typically an expensive option and you will likely find more affordable options on the health insurance Marketplace.

Depending on your income and whether your own employer offers health insurance, you may be eligible for assistance paying for premiums and cost sharing for a Marketplace plan. You can sign up for Marketplace coverage during the annual Open Enrollment, or you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period any time within 60 days of losing your parent’s coverage, or if you meet certain income limits.

Compare plans for access to your doctors, premiums, and cost sharing that meets your needs, as they will differ for each of these options.

Finally, if your income is very low, you might qualify for Medicaid. Medicaid is open for enrollment year-round. For help with a Medicaid or Marketplace plan application, contact a “Navigator,” HealthCare.gov, or the Marketplace call center.



While we have made every effort to provide accurate information in these FAQs, people should contact the health insurance Marketplace or Medicaid agency in their state for guidance on their specific circumstances.

KFF Headquarters: 185 Berry St., Suite 2000, San Francisco, CA 94107 | Phone 650-854-9400
Washington Offices and Barbara Jordan Conference Center: 1330 G Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005 | Phone 202-347-5270

www.kff.org | Email Alerts: kff.org/email | facebook.com/KFF | twitter.com/kff

The independent source for health policy research, polling, and news, KFF is a nonprofit organization based in San Francisco, California.