Turning 26 means aging off your parents’ health insurance plan.

What does this mean?

Most individuals turning 26 are required to enroll in a health insurance plan – whether it be in an individual plan or group plan through an employer. You cannot stay on your parents' plan any longer, but don’t worry—we’ve got options for you. And you may qualify for financial assistance.

When to enroll

Aging off your parents’ plan is considered a qualifying life event (QLE). There are many other types of QLEs, like a change in marital status or a loss of group coverage. When you experience a QLE, you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) which allows you to enroll in a new health insurance plan outside of the Open Enrollment Period (OEP).

Your SEP begins 60 days before your 26th birthday and ends 60 days afterward. If you do not enroll in a new plan during your SEP, you will have to wait until the next OEP which occurs annually from November 1 to January 15.

Types of health plans

We have many options to fit your needs and budget.

• Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans: We offer qualified health plans for individuals and families not on Medicare that cover all essential health benefit categories required by the healthcare law.
• Employer-sponsored plans: If you have a job that offers health insurance, you may be able to enroll in your employer’s group health plan outside of your company’s OEP.
• Student plans: If you are a student in college, graduate school or professional school, check with your educational institution to find out if they offer student health plans.
• Limited duration plans: We also offer limited duration plans that provide affordable coverage designed to cover you for the length of time you need it.
• Additional coverage: If you need dental, vision or international health insurance plans, we’ve got those, too.