Does your parents’ health insurance cover you? Are you concerned about the age at which you will lose your parents’ health coverage? Thanks to the landmark Obama healthcare law known as the Affordable Care Act, young adults can now remain on their parent’s health insurance policy until they reach the age of 26. 

Before Obamacare or ACA, insurance companies could kick a person off their parent’s plan at 19 (though some full-time students could get coverage for a little longer). If you are turning 26 and are still on your parent’s health insurance, there are a few things you should know about when your coverage will end. 

If your parent has enrolled in Obamacare

The first thing you need to consider before being kicked off your parents’ health insurance is the type of insurance coverage your parents have. If they enrolled in an ACA or Marketplace plan, you’d have time until December 15 of the year you turn 26 to maintain that coverage. But if you want to start a new Marketplace program beginning January 1, you must register during the annual Open Enrollment Period (OEP). You will need to enlist in a health plan during open enrollment before the calendar year ends. In most regions, the open enrollment window ends on December 15. 

If your parent has employer-sponsored health insurance

Does your parent get health insurance through their job? Then, your coverage will end on the last day of the month you turn 26. But there is some good news. If your coverage expires this way, you will be eligible for a SEP (Special Enrollment Period). This is a 60-day period outside of the Open Enrollment Period when you can buy your Marketplace plan. 

You can visit our site InsuranceShopping to compare premiums and shop for a Marketplace health insurance plan. If you need more information about the Special Enrollment Period and how to enroll in your Marketplace plan, please get in touch with our service agent at +855-569-1195