Does Health Insurance Coverage End When You Turn 23?

Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), individuals can stay on their parents’ health insurance plan until they turn 26, even if they are not living at home or financially dependent on their parents. This is known as the “young adult provision” of the ACA.

However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if you are married, have a child, or are no longer a student, you may not be eligible for coverage under your parents’ plan.

How to Stay on Your Parents’ Health Insurance Plan After Age 23

If you are eligible to stay on your parents’ health insurance plan after age 23, you can do so by simply remaining enrolled in the plan. Your parents will need to continue to make premium payments for your coverage.

You do not need to take any special steps to enroll in the young adult provision. Your coverage will automatically continue until you turn 26, or until you lose eligibility for other reasons.

What to Do If You Are Removed from Your Parents’ Health Insurance Plan

If you are removed from your parents’ health insurance plan before you turn 26, you can appeal the decision. You can also contact your state’s insurance commissioner for help.

If you are unable to get your coverage reinstated, you may need to purchase health insurance on your own. You can do this through the Health Insurance Marketplace or directly from an insurance company.

Benefits of Staying on Your Parents’ Health Insurance Plan

There are many benefits to staying on your parents’ health insurance plan. These benefits include:

Lower premiums: Premiums for health insurance plans for young adults are typically higher than premiums for plans that cover children.
More comprehensive coverage: Health insurance plans for young adults often have more limited coverage than plans that cover children.
Convenience: It is easier to stay on your parents’ health insurance plan than it is to enroll in a new plan.

Considerations for Young Adults

If you are a young adult who is considering staying on your parents’ health insurance plan, there are a few things you should keep in mind:

Your parents’ income: If your parents’ income is above a certain level, you may not be eligible for coverage under their plan.
Your health status: If you have a pre-existing condition, you may not be able to get coverage under your parents’ plan.
Your future plans: If you are planning to get married, have a child, or move out of state, you may want to consider enrolling in your own health insurance plan.

Conclusion

The ACA allows young adults to stay on their parents’ health insurance plan until they turn 26. This is a valuable benefit that can help young adults save money and get the health coverage they need. If you are a young adult who is eligible for coverage under your parents’ plan, you should take advantage of this benefit.