{"id":26834,"date":"2016-07-11T20:30:49","date_gmt":"2016-07-11T20:30:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hrblock.com\/tax-center\/?p=26834"},"modified":"2024-05-01T15:36:52","modified_gmt":"2024-05-01T20:36:52","slug":"health-insurance-options-26","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hrblock.com\/tax-center\/healthcare\/health-insurance-options-26\/","title":{"rendered":"Health Insurance Options After 26"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When you turn 16, you can get a license. When you turn 18, you can vote or enlist in the military. When you turn 26, you need to get your own healthcare insurance coverage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"health<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Common questions about health insurance for 26-year-olds<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you are newly minted 26-year-old and have health insurance questions, we\u2019re here to help you. Here are some common questions and answers to simplify things for you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s the parents\u2019 health insurance age limit?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You can stay under your parents\u2019 health insurance coverage until you turn 26 years old. Once you turn 26 \u2013 starting on your actual birthday \u2013 the requirement to make adult coverage available no longer applies. However, some employers may continue to provide coverage through the end of the plan year in which a child turns 26.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are my health insurance options?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You have a lot of health insurance options. If you will lose coverage through your parents, you qualify for a special enrollment period to buy coverage through a state or federal marketplace. Your special enrollment period will begin 60 days before your birthday and last for 60 days after you lose your parents\u2019 coverage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve enrolled in a plan before your 26th birthday, your coverage can start as soon as the first day of the month you lost coverage. If you sign up for health care for after your birthday, during the special enrollment period, coverage can start as early as the first day of the month after you pick a plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course, you may also be able to obtain health coverage through your employer through a special enrollment period or an open enrollment period, or you may be eligible to elect COBRA coverage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How much does health insurance cost at 26?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

 The cost of your health insurance depends on factors including location, age, desired level of coverage, deductible amount, and other conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What if I decide not to have any health coverage after I turn 26?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Previous to 2018, if you weren\u2019t insured, you had to pay a healthcare penalty<\/a> for being uninsured (unless you qualifed for an exemption). As of 2020, this is no longer the case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But, from an emergency preparedness standpoint, it\u2019s important to get at least minimum healthcare coverage in case you unexpectedly break an arm or get sick. Even a short visit to urgent care can add up to thousands of dollars out-of-pocket without insurance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You should find health coverage on or before your 26th birthday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019m not 26, but I\u2019m married. Do I have to get my own health insurance plan?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are under 26, and meet any qualifications through your parents\u2019 insurance provider, you can join or stay on a parent\u2019s plan even if you are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n