ACA Health Insurance for Students: A Complete Guide for Graduating and Unemployed

Losing health insurance can be a stressful experience, especially for young adults who are just starting out in their careers. If you’re a recent graduate or you’ve recently left a job that provided health insurance, you may be wondering what your options are. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) makes it possible for everyone to get health insurance, regardless of their income or health status.

What is the ACA’s “Special Enrollment Period”?

Under the ACA, you have a “Special Enrollment Period” (SEP) to enroll in health insurance if you have lost your job-based coverage or if you have experienced certain other life-changing events. This means that you can enroll in a health plan outside of the Open Enrollment Period, which runs from November 1st to January 15th each year.

How to Enroll in an ACA Health Plan

To enroll in an ACA health plan, you can:

Visit the Health Insurance Marketplace at HealthCare.gov or your state’s health insurance exchange.
Contact a licensed health insurance agent or broker.
Call the customer service number on your health insurance card.

When you enroll in an ACA health plan, you will need to provide the following information:

Your name, address, and date of birth
Your Social Security number
Your household income
Information about your current health insurance coverage (if any)

What are my options if I can’t afford an ACA health plan?

If you can’t afford an ACA health plan, you may be eligible for financial assistance to help you pay for your premiums. This assistance is available in the form of premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions.

Premium tax credits: Premium tax credits are available to individuals and families who earn up to 400% of the federal poverty level (FPL). The amount of the premium tax credit you receive will depend on your income and the size of your household.

Cost-sharing reductions: Cost-sharing reductions are available to individuals and families who earn up to 250% of the FPL. Cost-sharing reductions can help you save money on your deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.

How can I learn more about my health insurance options?

If you need help understanding your health insurance options or if you want to enroll in an ACA health plan, you can contact a licensed health insurance agent or broker. You can also visit the Health Insurance Marketplace at HealthCare.gov or your state’s health insurance exchange.