Can You Still Stay on Your Parent’s Health Insurance Plan After You Get a Job?

Yes! If you are under 26 years old, you can stay on your parent’s health insurance plan even if you get a job that offers health insurance. This is because of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which requires health insurance plans to cover dependent children until they reach the age of 26.

How Does It Work?

Under the ACA, health insurance plans are required to cover dependent children until they reach the age of 26, regardless of whether the child is married, has a job, or is a full-time student. This coverage is available even if the child is not living with the parent.

What are the Benefits of Staying on Your Parent’s Plan?

There are several benefits to staying on your parent’s health insurance plan, including:

Lower Premiums: In most cases, staying on your parent’s plan will be less expensive than getting your own health insurance plan. This is because your parents are likely to receive a group discount on their health insurance, which is passed on to you.
Better Coverage: Your parent’s health insurance plan is likely to offer better coverage than the plan that you would be able to get on your own. This is because group health insurance plans are typically more comprehensive and offer lower deductibles and co-pays.
No Waiting Period: If you get your own health insurance plan, you may have to wait for a period of time before you can start using your coverage. This is not the case if you stay on your parent’s plan.

Is There a Catch?

There is one potential catch to staying on your parent’s health insurance plan. If your employer offers health insurance that is considered “affordable,” you may not be eligible for premium subsidies. This means that you will have to pay the full cost of your health insurance premiums.

How Can You Find Out if Your Employer’s Health Insurance is Affordable?

To find out if your employer’s health insurance is affordable, you can use the affordability calculator at healthcare.gov. This calculator will take into account your income, family size, and the cost of your employer’s health insurance plan to determine if you are eligible for premium subsidies.

How Can You Get Help?

If you have any questions about staying on your parent’s health insurance plan, you can contact a licensed health insurance agent. A licensed agent can help you compare health insurance plans and find the best plan for your needs.