Starting college, landing a new job, turning 26. Big life changes often mean changes in where your health insurance comes from. Find your situation below to learn more about what options may be available to you.
Many colleges and universities offer student health plans, and some schools require you to have coverage (through the school, your parents, Medicaid, or wherever makes sense for you) to enroll.
You can stay on a parent’s health plan until you turn 26, even if you’re married, living on your own or offered insurance at work. Find out exactly when that coverage ends so you can line up your next plan without a gap.
Full-time jobs often come with employer-based health insurance, and some part-time jobs do too. If your workplace has a union, you may also have access to an union-based plan. Ask about waiting periods, since coverage doesn’t always start on day one at your new job.
You may be eligible for TRICARE, the health program for service members, veterans and their families.
This is what the ACA marketplace is for. You can shop for plans at healthcare.gov or your state’s exchange, and you may get help paying for it depending on your income. If you just left a job, you may also be able to keep your old employer’s plan through COBRA for a limited time, though it usually costs more.
You may qualify for Medicaid, and you can apply any time of year. Rules vary by state, so check our resource on different types of insurance for the general requirements.
Medicare is typically for people 65 and older, but some younger adults qualify because of a disability or permanent kidney failure. See our resource on different types of insurance for details.