Losing Parent’s Health Insurance: Navigating Open Enrollment and Qualifying Events

Losing parent’s health insurance is a common concern for young adults. Understanding [Qualifying Life Events](https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/qualifying-life-event/) (QLEs) is essential to ensure a smooth transition in health care coverage.

What is a Qualifying Life Event (QLE)?

A QLE is an event that triggers a special enrollment period outside the annual Open Enrollment Period. Losing health insurance coverage through a parent is considered a QLE. This means that your children may be eligible to enroll in a health insurance plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace or their employer outside of the standard Open Enrollment Period.

Losing Parent’s Coverage as a QLE

When you lose coverage through your parent’s health insurance, your children are eligible for a special enrollment period. This period typically lasts 60 days from the date the coverage is lost. During this time, they can enroll in a health insurance plan without waiting for the next Open Enrollment Period.

Enrollment Options

Your children have several options for obtaining health insurance after losing coverage through your plan:

Employer-Sponsored Plan: If they are employed, they may be eligible for health insurance through their employer.
ACA Health Insurance (Healthcare.gov): They can enroll in a health insurance plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace (also known as Healthcare.gov).
COBRA: They may be eligible for COBRA, which allows them to continue coverage under your employer’s plan for a limited period.

What to Consider When Choosing a Plan

When selecting a health insurance plan, it is important to consider factors such as:

Monthly Premium: The amount you have to pay each month for coverage.
Deductible: The amount you have to pay out-of-pocket before the insurance begins to cover costs.
Coinsurance: The percentage you pay for certain medical services after meeting the deductible.
Copayment: A fixed amount you pay for certain medical services, regardless of how much you have spent on medical expenses.

Conclusion

Losing coverage through your parent’s insurance can be a stressful experience, but understanding QLEs and your enrollment options can help you navigate this transition smoothly. By being proactive, you can ensure that your children have access to the health insurance they need. If you have any questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to a licensed health insurance agent for guidance.